The GIANTS have made two changes to their side as they get set to travel west for Saturday’s must-win match against Fremantle.
With his side’s AFLW Grand Final hopes
Collier and Tomkins return for their second games of the season with Collier having not played since round one and Tomkins making her sole appearance so far this year in the GIANTS’ round two loss to Carlton.
“Tomkins brings a level of aggression and competitiveness that will benefit our team this week,” McConnell said.
“Maddy was probably unlucky to miss out after round one, and has trained really well since.
“It’s a bit hard to say they’re in good form because when they miss out they can’t play but we’re just looking to find the best mix and we think that these two inclusions will go some way towards that this week.”
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While key-defender Tomkins adds brute force to the GIANTS backline, Collier may not be used in her usual role running off half-back.
“We might do something a little different with Maddy this week, but that’s (playing off half-back) certainly something we can do with her,” McConnell said.
“I think our backs have been pretty consistent over the last couple of weeks and they certainly have started to form a good rapport with one another so we won’t look to rock that boat too much.
“There are girls in that group that can do other things for us so having Maddy within the team gives us flexibility both to keep our back group intact and/or make some changes depending on the way the game is playing out.”
McConnell is more than aware that a loss for either side could spell the end of their Grand Final aspirations and is expecting Fremantle to put in a strong fight after a close loss to Brisbane last week.
“I think it’ll be a pretty tough contest, both teams are battling for survival to remain in touch with the top four and the top two,” he said.
“I would think that they’ll come out all guns blazing.”
The match is the GIANTS’ first at Fremantle Oval and besides the likes of Western Australian products Aimee Schmidt and Emma Swanson, many GIANTS have never set foot on the ground.
“I coached an Australian team against Ireland in an International Rules series there and I’ve watched a lot of talent pathway games there over my career,” McConnell said.
“You’d expect that there’d be a bit of a breeze getting up later in the game but we’re looking forward to it.”
The GIANTS play Fremantle on Saturday, March 3 at Fremantle Oval, at 5.05pm (AEDT). The match will be broadcast live on Fox Footy from 5.00pm (EST) and live on the AFL and AFLW Apps.
