Forward Steve Johnson will return to the venue where he made his name as a Cat as one of two changes to the GIANTS side to take on Geelong.
Johnson returns to the team for Saturday night’s blockbuster, alongside forward and ruckman Rory Lobb.
“Steve’s coming off his knee injury, he was really good in the Melbourne game and we feel as though he’s got something to offer,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“Obviously he knows the ground down there and has played for a long time for the Cats down there so we look forward to him contributing this weekend.
“We also thought we needed Rory Lobb to come back in and contribute in the ruck with Mummy and be a big target up forward for us.”
Matt de Boer and Harry Himmelberg have been omitted for the two forwards.
Nearing a fully-fit list, coach Cameron said it was great to have pressure on the 22 from the players below.
“It was a tough selection and Harry Himmelberg and Matt de Boer haven’t done much wrong at all.”
There’s plenty on the line in Saturday’s crunch clash with the winner guaranteed a home Qualifying Final in the first week of finals and the loser to head interstate in week one.
“It’s quite unique because it can shift the ladder around, especially the top half,” Cameron said.
“I think it’s going to be a really tight game. Obviously in round 15 we had a draw and last year down there it was 10 points in their favour, in Canberra it was 12 points in our favour and the year before it was six points their favour.
“It’s been two goals or less the difference in the last four games so we seem to play really close games against them.
“They’re a really good team and deserve a top four spot and so do we so who’s winning at the end of Saturday night will be intriguing.”
The GIANTS take on Geelong in the final round of the home and away season on Saturday August 26 at 7:25pm.
ROUND 23
Geelong Cats v GIANTS
Saturday August 26, 7:25pm
Simonds Stadium
TEAM
FB: Adam Tomlinson, Nick Haynes, Nathan Wilson
HB: Zac Williams, Phil Davis, Lachie Whitfield
C: Josh Kelly, Dylan Shiel, Heath Shaw
HF: Callan Ward, Jonny Patton, Toby Greene
FF: Rory Lobb, Jeremy Cameron, Steve Johnson
RR: Shane Mumford, Stephen Coniglio, Brett Deledio
Interchange: Aidan Corr, Devon Smith, Jacob Hopper, Tom Scully
In: Steve Johnson, Rory Lobb
Out: Matt de Boer, Harry Himmelberg (omitted)
Emergencies: Tim Taranto, Matt de Boer, Harry Himmelberg
