The return of star vice-captain Stephen Coniglio headlines a strong squad for the GIANTS’ AAMI Community Series clash with the Blues on Friday night.
Coniglio will return for his first official hit-out of the summer after a delayed start to pre-season following two off-season surgeries.
The 31-year-old midfielder is joined in Friday’s team by All-Australian defender Sam Taylor who has exited concussion protocols after training fully this week following a knock in an intra club match simulation almost afortnight ago.
Plenty of firepower will feature for the GIANTS against Carlton in Canberra, with Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan and Lachie Whitfield all named for the club’s final pre-season clash.
A trio of untried youngsters also feature in the squad of 26 as they push their claims for an AFL debut in 2025, with recent first-round draft picks Cody Angove and Oliver Hannaford named to take on Carlton alongside 2023 first-round pick James Leake.
Star recruit Jake Stringer will miss the AAMI Community Series as he recovers from illness but is expected to return for the club’s Opening Round clash with Collingwood next week.
The GIANTS and the Blues will meet at Manuka Oval at 5:20pm on Friday, with the clash to be broadcast live on Fox and Kayo.
AAMI Community Series
GIANTS v Blues
Friday, February 28 at 5:20pm
Manuka Oval | Ngunnawal Country
FB: Harry Himmelberg, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun
HB: Lachie Whitfield, Jack Buckley, Lachie Ash
C: Josh Kelly, Finn Callaghan, Callan Ward
HF: Xavier O’Halloran, Aaron Cadman, Darcy Jones
FF: Brent Daniels, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene
RR: Kieren Briggs, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Bedford
Interchange: Max Gruzewski, Oliver Hannaford, Harry Rowston, Lachlan Keeffe, Conor Stone, Cody Angove, Jacob Wehr, James Leake
Emergencies: Leek Aleer, Nicholas Madden, Harrison Oliver, Nathan Wardius
