Josh Kelly, Jon Patton and Matt Buntine will return to the GIANTS line-up to take on Essendon at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night.
Midfielder Kelly returns for his first game since round three with groin soreness sidelining the 2017 Kevin Sheedy Medallist and Virgin Australia All Australian.
“He’s done a fair bit of work and we look forward to having him back in the team obviously,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“We know he’s a quality player but also he’s our joint vice-captain, so we look forward to having him in amongst the action again.
“Our players no doubt get a lift when he’s playing.”
Forward Jon Patton has also been recalled after a fortnight in the NEAFL and is expected to line-up at full forward.
“He’s played NEAFL for the last couple of weeks and he hit the scoreboard last week,” Cameron said.
“He’s had some confidence issues, but he’s re-gained some confidence and we clearly are a better side when Jon Patton is back up and running in our forward line.
“He gets that opportunity and we’re confident that he can be a really good presence in the front half of our ground.”
In one of the feel-good stories of the season so far, Buntine will also return to the team for the first time since round two last season.
Buntine was sidelined when a routine check on some knee soreness uncovered a pre-existing ACL injury that required season-ending surgery.
The 24-year-old has played four games in the NEAFL, collecting 27 possessions last week following a best on ground performance with 39 touches, nine marks and five tackles the week before.
“It’s a huge effort to play a month of footy and now he’s back into his fifth game back and he gets an opportunity to play at AFL level,” Cameron said.
“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. 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.”
Isaac Cumming, Jeremy Finlayson and Lachie Keeffe have been omitted.
Sam Reid has pulled up well following some hamstring soreness late in the game against North Melbourne while co-captain Phil Davis will miss another week with concussion.
“He got to Tuesday afternoon and still had some mild symptoms so under the concussion protocols he couldn’t progress for a Saturday game,” Cameron said.
“By now he’s got a lot better again but it’s the doc’s decision and we support the doctors 100 per cent.”
The GIANTS will take on Essendon at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night as we celebrate Members Round.
GIANTS v Essendon
Saturday May 26 at 7:25pm
Spotless Stadium
FB: Aidan Corr, Tim Mohr, Harry Himmelberg
HB: Harry Perryman, Nick Haynes, Heath Shaw
C: Josh Kelly, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Daniel Lloyd, Jeremy Cameron, Jacob Hopper
FF: Sam Reid, Adam Tomlinson, Dylan Shiel
RR: Rory Lobb, Stephen Coniglio, Tim Taranto
Interchange: Jon Patton, Zac Langdon, Matt Buntine, Ryan Griffen
In: Josh Kelly, Jon Patton, Matt Buntine
Out: Isaac Cumming, Jeremy Finlayson, Lachie Keeffe (omitted)
Emergencies: Isaac Cumming, Brent Daniels, Dawson Simpson, Dylan Buckley
