Dashing defender Nathan Wilson returns to the GIANTS line up as the only change to the side to face the Power in Adelaide on Sunday.
Wilson comes back after a fortnight on the sidelines with groin soreness, replacing young midfielder Jack Steele (hand).
Wilson has enjoyed a career-best season in 2016 with the half-back playing the opening 14 games of the season to take his AFL tally to 46.
“It’s the first time he’s probably played that many games in a row,” coach Leon Cameron said.
“He played all the NAB Challenge, then he played every game up to the bye - I think it was 17 we worked out - so that’s put a bit of stress on his body.
“He came back after the bye still sore and missed the last two weeks. He trained really well over the last nine days and we’re confident he’s ready to go and we look forward to having him back in the team.”
Second-year GIANT Steele will miss with a hand injury sustained in the win over Brisbane last weekend, however it’s not expected to keep him out of action for long.
“He’s got a little fracture in his right hand, it happened 10 or 15 minutes into the third quarter last week,” Cameron said.
“He played through it … We actually thought that he would get up but the swelling hasn’t gone down to the level that the doctor and physios wanted so he’ll miss all footy this weekend but we’re confident he’ll be right to play next week.”
Forward James Stewart and midfielders Matt Kennedy and Jake Barrett drop out of the squad named on Thursday and will be the emergencies for this match.
Lachie Whitfield was not included in the round 18 squad after withdrawing from the AFL side last week with tonsillitis.
He could play some managed game time in the WSU GIANTS’ NEAFL clash with the Swans Reserves at the SCG on Saturday morning.
The fourth-placed GIANTS take on the ninth-placed Power at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, a venue where the GIANTS are yet to secure a win.
After Port Adelaide’s big win over North Melbourne last weekend, Cameron knows it’s a tough task against a side desperate to push into finals contention.
“They were really impressive last week - they played some exciting footy, they played some tough footy and there’s no doubt there’s an opening there for a spot in the eight,” Cameron said.
“It’s starting to jam up, there’s probably 10 sides now that are a chance.
“They’re going to be really tough to beat but it’s a great opportunity for us to play in such a big game.”
Port Adelaide v GWS GIANTS
Sunday July 24, 4.40pm EST
Adelaide Oval
GWS GIANTS
FB: Joel Patfull, Phil Davis, Adam Kennedy
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Haynes, Zac Williams
C: Adam Tomlinson, Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly
HF: Rory Lobb, Jonny Patton, Steve Johnson
FF: Devon Smith, Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene
RR: Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel
Interchange: Sam Reid, Harry Himmelberg, Nathan Wilson, Tom Scully
In: Nathan Wilson
Out: Jack Steele (hand)
Emergencies: James Stewart, Jake Barrett, Matt Kennedy
