Veteran forward Steve Johnson will return to the GIANTS’ 22 as the only change for the clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Johnson replaces fellow forward Daniel Lloyd in the side, having recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him for the GIANTS’ wins over West Coast and Essendon.
The 33-year-old mercurial forward, who has not played since round nine, has kicked eight goals in his eight games so far in 2017.
GIANTS Coach Leon Cameron said Lloyd was unlucky to miss out but Johnson’s experience was the deciding factor.
“We’re rapt that Lloydy has played four games in a row, we feel there’s a strong future for him at this footy club and there’s no doubt he’ll play more senior footy in the back half of the year,” Cameron said.
“Steve’s had ten days of really good training, we know his knee is an issue but it’s in a pretty good place, probably the best it’s been, so he comes back into the team.
“We know his experience and his ability to play is there, we look forward to him contributing on the weekend.”
Despite Carlton sitting 17th on the ladder, Cameron knows his side will be up against a fired up Blues side following the bye.
“Where they are sitting on the ladder is not what their form shows,” Cameron said.
“People are underestimating Carlton, they’ve been in a lot of games and probably deserve to be at five wins.
“They’ve got some experienced players, they’re really talented and well coached, it’s going to be a huge challenge for us.”
Round 12
Carlton v GIANTS
Sunday June 11, 3.20pm
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
SQUAD
FB: Phil Davis, Aidan Corr, Nathan Wilson
HB: Zac Williams, Adam Tomlinson, Heath Shaw
C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Matt de Boer
FF: Sam Reid, Jonny Patton, Matt Kennedy
RR: Shane Mumford, Josh Kelly, Dylan Shiel
Interchange (from): Harry Perryman, Tim Taranto, Harry Himmelberg, Steve Johnson
Emergencies: Dawson Simpson, Jeremy Finlayson, Daniel Lloyd
In: Steve Johnson
Out: Daniel Lloyd (omitted)
