Four experienced finals campaigners are back into the GIANTS side for Saturday’s elimination final clash against the Western Bulldogs at GIANTS Stadium.
Nick Haynes, Brett Deledio, Toby Greene and Jacob Hopper have all been declared fit and ready for Saturday’s do or die clash, the final game in Sydney for the 2019 season.
All eyes have been on superstar defender Haynes, who suffered a fractured cricoid (throat) the last time these two sides met in round 22.
But Haynes has passed all the required tests to line up in the orange at GIANTS Stadium.
“It’s great for us,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“He’s been cleared by the specialist, trained fully on Wednesday and pulled up really well today.
“He’s done everything he could to put his hand up to play this game and we’re really pleased he’ll run out there with us on Saturday.”
Veteran Deledio - who announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2019 season - also returns to the side after recovering from a minor calf injury suffered in round 21.
"We know what Brett brings to our team and we’re excited he’s ready to go,” Cameron said.
“It was only a really minor calf this time around but as always we made sure we were cautious with his return.
“He once again applied himself diligently to his rehab and he’s proven his ability to perform on a big stage straight after a few weeks out.”
Star forward Greene is ready to go after a minor calf complaint kept him out of the GIANTS’ round 23 win over the Suns while Hopper returns after three weeks out with a hamstring injury.
“Both Jacob and Toby are ready and raring to go,” Cameron said.
“Toby only missed a week while Hopper missed a couple.
“Both probably could have played had there been a game last week so they’ve had a solid training block and are really excited to get out there on Saturday afternoon.”
Lachie Keeffe, Isaac Cumming, Adam Tomlinson and Bobby Hill have been omitted.
“It was a really tough match committee this week which is probably a good problem to have,” Cameron said.
“The guys who have gone out can probably count themselves unlucky and they’ve all played significant time at the senior level this year.
“They’ve continued to train hard this week and have been great around the club and it puts good pressure on the 22 selected to know these guys are there, hungry and ready to go too.”
Cameron said his side is looking forward to the huge clash at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday afternoon
“I’m expecting a cracking contest, like most finals are,” Cameron said.
“We know what the Bulldogs will bring - they’re the most in-form team in the competition for a reason and have plenty of weapons across every line.”
The coach encouraged all GIANTS fans to get to Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday to cheer on their team.
“We can’t wait to take them on at GIANTS Stadium and know our fans will bring the noise and atmosphere this game deserves,” he said.
“If you haven’t got a ticket yet make sure you snap one up because this feels like it’s going to be a game not to miss.”
Elimination Final
GIANTS v Western Bulldogs
Saturday, September 7 at 3:20pm
GIANTS Stadium
FB: Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Sam Reid
HB: Aidan Corr, Nick Haynes, Lachie Whitfield
C: Zac Williams, Tim Taranto, Adam Kennedy
HF: Jeremy Finlayson, Harry Himmelberg, Brent Daniels
FF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Brett Deledio
RR: Shane Mumford, Harry Perryman, Daniel Lloyd
Interchange: Sam Taylor, Jacob Hopper, Josh Kelly, Matt de Boer
In: Nick Haynes, Brett Deledio, Toby Greene, Jacob Hopper
Out: Lachie Keeffe, Isaac Cumming, Adam Tomlinson, Bobby Hill (omitted)
Emergencies: Isaac Cumming, Adam Tomlinson, Lachie Keeffe, Bobby Hill
