GIANTS defender Matt Buntine will play his first senior game in almost 14 months after being picked to face Essendon on Saturday night.
Buntine was last seen at AFL level in round two last year when the Giants thumped Gold Coast by 102 points at Spotless
His inclusion is sure to provide a massive boost for the injury-hit and out-of-form GIANTS.
A host of different injuries have limited the luckless 24-year-old to just 41 games since he was taken with pick five by the GIANTS in their first NAB AFL draft in 2011, but he's a hugely popular member of the GIANTS playing group.
Four games of impressive NEAFL form was enough to convince Leon Cameron to play him against the Bombers, and Buntine told AFL.com.au that the announcement sent the GIANTS' post-training meeting on Wednesday into mayhem.
"It was a really special moment," Buntine said.
"To share that moment with them and see their elation was really heartwarming.
"I had a few butterflies going into the meeting and was hoping my name may get thrown out there, so I couldn't wipe the smile off my face."
Buntine took a couple of games to settle in the reserves but has averaged 33 possessions in his past two outings, and steps back into the senior team confident in his reconstructed knee, as well as his ability to be a valuable member of Cameron's 22.
"This weekend is the first step back I guess, but I don't want to just get one game and be happy," he said.
"I want to take my game to another level and cement a spot in our side.
"It's not going to be a walk in the park
"Leon and my teammates expect me to come in and do my job, and that’s beat my man and provide some drive from
Cameron probably didn't have Buntine in his calculations when he returned to the field a month ago, but his standout performances at the lower level forced a re-think.
The respect Buntine has from teammates, along with his leadership would also have played a major role, and with the GIANTS struggling for confidence and form, the reliable defender is an important selection for the GIANTS.
"We know what we get with him, he’s tough and he’s hard, he just puts his head over the footy and gives everything he’s got," Cameron said.
"In terms of spirit, that’s what he does for this footy club.
"I’m sure the boys are going to walk taller when they run out beside him on Saturday."
