Max Gruzewski will make his AFL debut in one of the biggest games of the year, with the exciting teenager one of three changes for Sydney Derby XXVIII at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday.
The 2022 draftee has earned selection in Adam Kingsley’s side for the first time in his career after an impressive season to date in the club’s VFL campaign.
From his 10 matches this season, the 192cm forward sits fourth on the VFL goalkicking tally with 22 majors and averaging 4.3 marks a game.
The 19-year-old joins Lachie Ash and James Peatling as the three inclusions for the highly anticipated clash against the top-of-the-table Swans.
Ash returns to the side after missing five rounds following a calf injury sustained in round nine.
The dashing defender will bolster the GIANTS’ backline after news this week confirmed that both Sam Taylor and Nick Haynes are set for stints on the sidelines with injuries.
Western Sydney product, James Peatling, has also been added to the round 15 team for his ninth game of the season.
Peatling was best-on-ground in the VFL last week after 31 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 10 clearances, six tackles and two final-quarter goals to secure a victory.
Saturday’s 28th edition of the Derby will mark the Pennant Hills junior’s fourth derby since debuting in 2021.
Vice-captain Stephen Coniglio was unable to prove his readiness for Saturday’s battle of the bridge clash but is expected to return next week.
Alongside Taylor and Haynes who will miss the week’s game through injury, Aaron Cadman has been omitted.
The GIANTS will take on the Swans in front of what is expected to be a sold-out ENGIE Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with only standing room tickets remaining.
Round 15
GIANTS v Swans
Satuday, June 21 at 4:35pm
ENGIE Stadium | Wangal Country
FB: Connor Idun, Jack Buckley, Harry Himmelberg
HB: Lachie Whitfield, Leek Aleer, Lachie Ash
C: Ryan Angwin, Tom Green, Xavier O'Halloran
HF: Brent Daniels, Max Gruzewski, Toby Bedford
FF: toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Harvey Thomas
RR: Kieren Briggs, Finn Callaghan, Josh Kelly
Interchange: James Peatling, Callan Ward, Callum Brown, Jake Riccardi, Toby McMullin
In: Lachie Ash, James Peatling, Max Gruzewski (debut)
Out: Sam Taylor, Nick Haynes (injured), Aaron Cadman (omitted)
Emergency: Harry Rowston, Jacob Wehr, Lachlan Keeffe
