The GIANTS welcome back four big names for Saturday’s clash against Melbourne in the nation’s capital.
There was some exciting news earlier this week with star recruit and former Tiger Brett Deledio to make his long-awaited GIANTS debut in the nation’s capital.
Also returning to the side is ruckman Shane Mumford, forward Steve Johnson and young midfielder Jacob Hopper.
“It’s great to be able to welcome these guys back into the team,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“We know how excited both Brett and the club are to see him out there on Saturday but we also know it will be a gradual process as he adjusts to his new teammates over the next few weeks.
“Jacob impressed in the NEAFL last week, his game time was slightly limited but his output was where we know it can be when he’s playing his best.
“After a tough couple of months with injury, we look forward to him returning to the side.”
Forward Jeremy Cameron will miss this week’s clash with a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for three weeks.
Ruckman Dawson Simpson and young defender Harry Perryman have been omitted while Will Setterfield has failed to recover from the concussion he sustained against Fremantle.
“It’s great to have Mummy back in, he’s such a physical presence for us but Dawson is really unlucky to go out of the side, he couldn’t have done much more last weekend,” Cameron said.
“Stevie had last week off and trained really well on Wednesday so it’s great to have him back in the side.
“Will’s just not quite right after his concussion last week so we won’t risk it.”
The GIANTS got back on the winners’ list against Fremantle last weekend to remain in third spot on the ladder while the Demons were upset by North Melbourne but still sit in seventh.
“It’s going to be a great test against Melbourne who have a quality side and are capable of some really impressive footy,” Cameron said.
“We can’t wait to be back at home in Canberra in front of a really great crowd.”
The GIANTS take on Melbourne in the nation’s capital on Saturday at 1:45pm at UNSW Canberra Oval. Click here for tickets.
Round 20
GIANTS v Melbourne
Saturday August 5, 1:45pm
UNSW Canberra Oval
Jonny Patton a late withdrawl on Friday with hamstring tightness, Harry Himmelberg in as his replacement.
TEAM
FB: Zac Williams, Adam Tomlinson, Nathan Wilson
HB: Nick Haynes, Phil Davis, Heath Shaw
C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Devon Smith, Rory Lobb, Jonny Patton
FF: Dylan Shiel, Steve Johnson, Matt de Boer
RR: Shane Mumford, Jacob Hopper, Matt Kennedy
Interchange: Aidan Corr, Stephen Coniglio, Brett Deledio, Josh Kelly
In: Brett Deledio, Shane Mumford, Steve Johnson, Jacob Hopper, Harry Himmelberg
Out: Jeremy Cameron (hamstring), Will Setterfield (concussion), Dawson Simpson, Harry Perryman (omitted), Jonny Patton (hamstring)
Emergencies: Dawson Simpson, Daniel Lloyd, Harry Perryman
