Experienced defender Joel Patfull and lively forward Jed Lamb have been included in the GIANTS side to take on Geelong in a blockbuster clash at StarTrack Oval on Saturday.

The duo return to the GIANTS line up in place of defender Matt Buntine who failed his concussion test after a heavy knock during last week’s game against the Suns; and young forward Cam McCarthy who will play NEAFL this week.

Veteran recruit Patfull hasn’t played since round 11 when he suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung but has returned ahead of schedule after initial fears he would miss six to eight weeks.

“Joel’s been rehabbing well the last two or three weeks and tried to make a case to play last week,” coach Leon Cameron said.

“His experience in these sort of games is invaluable and he’s looking forward to taking on the Cats.”

Lamb comes in to play his first game of the season after the 22-year-old former Swan managed eight appearances in his first year with the club in 2014.

“He’s got his opportunity. He’s hitting the scoreboard, his pressure is getting a lot better,” Cameron said.

“We know he can use the footy and with his form … Jed’s eventually knocked the door down.”

In just his second season, McCarthy has played every game this year but will play for the UWS GIANTS in Brisbane on Saturday.

“He’s been terrific as a key position player playing in his second year,” Cameron said.

“We just felt that the last probably two or three weeks he’s started to wane a bit. We’ll freshen him up this week, he’ll go back at work on the basics. He’ll get his opportunity again in the coming weeks.”

The GIANTS face Geelong on Saturday in one of the biggest AFL games ever played in the nation’s capital. The GIANTS sit in seventh place on the AFL ladder and will take another step closer to playing finals for the first time should they defeat the 11th-placed Cats.

“They’re a seasoned side, they play finals every year. They’ll be making sure that they bring their best game against us,” Cameron said.

“It’s great for Canberra and surrounding areas that we get to see such a good, quality side. It’s a great opportunity for us and we need to be at our best to knock them over.”

Utility Adam Tomlinson is the latest GIANT to reach the 50-game milestone in just his fifth game for the season and Cameron said it was a great reward for his versatile tall.

“Tommo missed 12 weeks with his toe but he’s been back in the side for three weeks,” Cameron said.

“It’s another  significant milestone for these young lads who have come through together. It’s a great opportunity for him to put his best foot forward on such a significant day for us on Saturday.”

The GIANTS take on Geelong at StarTrack Oval in Canberra at 1.45pm on Saturday, July 25. Silver unreserved tickets have been exhausted while there are under 500 tickets remaining in General Admission and less than 800 gold reserved tickets left. Tickets are selling fast and won’t last long.

BUY TICKETS

Tickets start from $24 for an adult, $5 for a junior and just $55 for a family of two adults and two kids. ACT GIANTS members can also upgrade their general admission seats to a reserved seat for a special members rate.
 
GIANTS v Geelong
Saturday July 25, 1.45pm
StarTrack Oval, Canberra

GWS GIANTS

FB: Curtly Hampton, Nick Haynes, Heath Shaw
HB: Joel Patfull, Aidan Corr, Tom Scully
C: Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward
HF: Adam Tomlinson, Jeremy Cameron, Ryan Griffen
F: Jack Steele, Jed Lamb, Lachie Whitfield
R: Rory Lobb, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene

Interchange: Rhys Palmer, Tom Downie, Devon Smith, Zac Williams

In: Joel Patfull, Jed Lamb
Out: Matt Buntine (concussion), Cam McCarthy (omitted)

Emergencies: Nathan Wilson, Will Hoskin-Elliott, James Stewart