Zippy small forward Zac Langdon will play his first game of the 2019 season as the GIANTS team to take on Hawthorn at the MCG is finalised.
Langdon returns from a pre-season foot injury as one of four inclusions with co-captain Phil Davis, vice-captain Josh Kelly and ruckman Dawson Simpson also coming into the side.
“Zac had nine weeks on the sidelines all up so it was a long time out,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“He’s played two games in the NEAFL and we feel that he’s ready to come back in and be that real pressure player for us as well as a goal sneak so he’s looking forward to it.”
Davis has missed the past two games with an ankle injury while the club was cautious with Kelly last week, opting not to play the star midfielder after he felt tightness in the Captain’s Run.
Ruckman Shane Mumford will miss the Hawks clash with a minor knee complaint that has flared up after playing five games straight in his return from retirement.
Reliable veteran Dawson Simpson comes in as his replacement after playing the opening two games of the season while Mumford was suspended.
“Mummy’s knee is a bit sore after being really good for us for the last five weeks,” Cameron said.
“He’s obviously going to miss this week and we’ll see how he goes next week as well, but Dawson gets his opportunity.
“He’s been playing some good footy at the lower level. He’s hungry and he’s looking forward to the battle against McEvoy.”
Defender Aidan Corr is out of the side with an ankle injury with youngsters Isaac Cumming and Jackson Hately omitted.
Wingman Adam Kennedy has been named in the final side after suffering a concussion last weekend with the popular team man set to play his 100th AFL game.
“Obviously Adam had his knee reconstruction two years ago and he’s come back really well,” Cameron said.
“He’s been here from the start and as one of our most popular players, it’s great to see him reach this milestone.
“He should be really proud to be running out there on the MCG on Sunday and no doubt there’ll be a big crew from Melton going along to support him.”
The coach is excited for the opportunity to take on Hawthorn at the home of football, the MCG.
"Is it really good to have an opportunity to play at the ‘G,” Cameron said.
“You take those opportunities and cherish them.
“But, as I said to our boys during the week, it doesn't matter where you play Hawthorn this week. It's going to be on.”
The GIANTS take on the Hawks at the MCG on Sunday at 3:20pm with live coverage on the 7 network around the country as well as Fox Sports 3.
Round 8
Hawthorn v GIANTS
Sunday, May 12 at 3:20pm
MCG
FB: Nick Haynes, Sam Taylor, Adam Tomlinson
HB: Sam Reid, Phil Davis, Heath Shaw
C: Stephen Coniglio, Jacob Hopper, Zac Williams
HF: Matt Buntine, Harry Himmelberg, Jeremy Finlayson
FF: Brent Daniels, Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene
RR: Dawson Simpson, Matt de Boer, Tim Taranto
Interchange: Adam Kennedy, Zac Langdon, Josh Kelly, Daniel Lloyd
In: Phil Davis, Dawson Simpson, Josh Kelly, Zac Langdon
Out: Aidan Corr (ankle), Shane Mumford (knee), Jackson Hately (omitted), Isaac Cumming (omitted)
Emergencies: Isaac Cumming, Matthew Flynn, Harry Perryman, Lachlan Keeffe
