The GIANTS’ round one clash with Essendon will present several GIANTS with opportunities to stake their claim for the 2019 season according to coach Leon Cameron.
Cameron said he is looking forward to some second and third year GIANTS showing what they’re capable of after big pre-seasons.
The GIANTS have finalised their team to take on Essendon in a blockbuster clash at home on Sunday afternoon with Matt de Boer, Lachlan Keeffe, Jeremy Finalyson and Sam Reid named in the final 22.
Jackson Hately, Matt Buntine, Isaac Cumming and Matt Flynn will be the emergencies for Sunday’s match.
“We knew there’d be some opportunities presented at the end of last season and guys like Daniel Lloyd, Brent Daniels, Harry Perryman and Jeremy Finalyson have had fantastic pre-seasons,” Cameron said.
“They’ve put their hands up, they want a position in the side and they’ve worked really hard to get there.
“We look forward to them getting their opportunity on Sunday.
“There’s a few guys in that same boat who only just missed out so it’s great to have that pressure for spots."
Vice-captain Josh Kelly will miss Sunday’s clash with Cameron looking longer term and keen to make sure the star midfielder is fully fit for the season ahead.
“We made the call that Josh needs more training loads into his body before he plays,” he said.
“We’ll build his loads up over the weekend with a view to him taking on the Eagles next week.
“In saying that, if we’re not happy with where he’s at then we’ll take the approach that we need to make sure he’s right for the whole season and not just next week.”
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It’s going to be a huge clash at GIANTS Stadium on Sunday with the GIANTS opening their season in Sydney for the first time since the memorable 2014 Sydney Derby.
“It’s fantastic to have a big opening game at home, it’s awesome for footy in Sydney,” Cameron said.
“We haven’t had a round one at home since 2014 so we want to see all our GIANTS supporters out there in their orange.
“It’s a new season and there’s plenty of excitement. Both teams want to be there come September so it’s going to be one hell of a battle on Sunday afternoon.”
Round One Team
GIANTS v Essendon
Sunday March 24 at 3:20pm
GIANTS Stadium
FB: Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Zac Williams
HB: Adam Kennedy, Sam Taylor, Lachie Whitfield
C: Adam Tomlinson, Tim Taranto, Harry Perryman
HF: Brett Deledio, Harry Himmelberg, Brent Daniels
FF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Daniel Lloyd
RR: Dawson Simpson, Stephen Coniglio, Jacob Hopper
Interchange: Matt de Boer, Lachlan Keeffe, Jeremy Finlayson, Sam Reid
Emergencies: Jackson Hately, Matt Buntine, Isaac Cumming, Matt Flynn
