Joe Fonti will become the club’s fourth debutant of the season, with the dashing defender a late inclusion to Saturday’s side to take on the Blues at ENGIE Stadium.
The 2023 draftee has been named as a replacement for Lachie Ash who will miss the game with a corked calf.
Taken with pick 44 in last year’s draft, Fonti has continued to impress in the club’s VFL side over recent weeks to earn selection for the first time in Adam Kingsley’s team.
While averaging just under 17 touches and five marks per game across the VFL season to date, the exciting young defender has taken his game to another level over recent weeks to put his name forward for selection.
“It’s a little bit nerve-wracking but definitely exciting,” Fonti said following the news.
“I didn’t think it would come this early, but I’ve been playing some alright footy in the VFL and that’s been noticed and I’ve been rewarded with this opportunity.”
Relatively new to the backline, the former midfielder has been making the most of his time at the club and the ability to learn from some of the best defenders in the game.
“The time I have spent here so far has been the best time of my life,” he said.
“You learn the system and then when that becomes second nature you can then sort of start focusing on your own game and build confidence off the back of that and that’s what I've tried to do.
“As far as players, I've taken a lot out of Lachie Ash and Lachie Whitfield’s game, I try to model my game off those two.
“Even Harry Perryman and Connor Idun’s one-on-one work defensively. When I first came to the club that was a big work on for me so certainly try to take a leaf out of their book.”
Known for his dash and dare off half-back, elite speed and great hands, the 19-year-old said he is looking forward to testing his game at AFL level.
“I just need to play to my strengths and play the way I've been playing all year,” he said ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Blues.
“Just be reliable defensively and do my job whoever I'm on.”
Fonti becomes the fourth debutant of the season and the second out of the 2023 draft class, all of whom share a house together.
“Our house is always lively so not a lot will probably change, but I'm sure they’ll all be super happy for me,” he said.
“We’ve all been working away in the VFL together for some time now, except for Harvey [Thomas] but we spoke yesterday and he’s glad that he'll be playing at the same time that I’ll be playing and that we’ll get to share that moment.”
The GIANTS take on Carlton in a blockbuster Saturday night clash at ENGIE Stadium.
