The GIANTS have made three big changes for this Saturday’s top four clash with the Lions at the Gabba.
Josh Kelly will make his return to the side, with the vice-captain set to bolster the GIANTS’ midfield for the crucial clash.
Kelly has missed the last five games with a calf injury and will return for his 13th game of the season.
GIANTS veteran Lachlan Keeffe has also been named, set to play his first AFL game of the season.
The 34-year-old replaces ruck Kieren Briggs who has been managed for the clash against the Lions, while recent draftee Joe Fonti has been omitted.
Keeffe was a handy part of the GIANTS’ premiership push last year but hasn't played an AFL game since the preliminary final last year.
Conor Stone has also been recalled following his impressive form in the VFL, replacing Toby McMullin who will miss Saturday's clash with groin soreness.
GIANTS head coach Adam Kingsley said:
“Kieren is managing some shoulder stuff, so he won’t play this week,” he said.
“We have a few injuries with our ruck stocks, but he [Keeffe] is more than capable and we’re comfortable he can mix it with a really good ruckman up there in Oscar McInerney.
"It's going to be a big challenge but he's a smart guy, he's been around the AFL a long time and I'm sure he'll embrace his opportunity."
Off the back of five wins in a row, the GIANTS have started to gather similar momentum to last year as finals near, but with a difficult run home that includes Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs, they can't afford any slip-ups if they want to hold onto their top four place.
And the coach concedes this week's challenge against a Brisbane side that has waltzed into premiership favouritism following nine wins in a row is the toughest in the game right now.
“They've lost one game since we played them in round seven. They're in great form, they're a terrific team," Kingsley said
"However, we're really confident in our game, I don't think we've put a complete game together by any stretch of the imagination, but I feel pretty comfortable that we're in really good form.
“We'll back ourselves in and attack it as best we can."
The GIANTS take on the Lions on Saturday at 1:45pm at the Gabba.
