Power mid Xavier O’Halloran returns to the GIANTS’ side for Saturday’s clash with the Gold Coast Suns at ENGIE Stadium.
O’Halloran has had 23 and 27 disposals in his last two VFL games since returning to the level, including 14 tackles in an upset win over Southport.
O’Halloran returns in place of Stephen Coniglio, who will miss this week’s game with shoulder soreness.
"I don't think he'll play this week. It'll be a week by week thing, his shoulder's still a bit sore," Brent Daniels said on Thursday ahead of his 100th game.
"We're hopeful we'll get him back in the next couple weeks.”
Daniels is set to play his 100th AFL game on Saturday. Taken by the GIANTS with pick 27 in the 2017 AFL Draft, Daniels played seven games in his debut season in 2018 before going on to play every game of the 2019 Grand Final season, including a memorable goal to help the GIANTS beat Brisbane in the semi-final.
After 590 days on the sidelines due to consecutive hamstring injuries, Daniels returned to the GIANTS’ forward line in 2023 where he kicked 26 goals from 20 games to finish inside the top 10 of the Kevin Sheedy Medal.
As per AFL guidelines, Toby Bedford was named in the side while the appeal of his three-match suspension was heard at the AFL Appeals Board on Thursday night. With the Appeal upheld and the suspension dismissed, Bedford will take his place in the side to take on the Suns.
Meanwhile, All-Australian defender Sam Taylor was involved in main training today after being cleared for full contact but will need another week of training under his belt to make his AFL return.
The GIANTS take on the Suns at ENGIE Stadium at 1:45pm on Saturday.
