Forwards Toby Greene and Jonny Patton return to the GIANTS side for the crunch clash against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night in Melbourne.
The reigning Kevin Sheedy Medallist and 2016 All Australian, Greene returns from two weeks on the sidelines after being suspended for striking against Richmond in round 18.
Fellow forward Patton missed last week’s clash with Melbourne in Canberra with hamstring soreness but has trained strongly in the club’s two sessions this week.
“It’s great to get these guys back,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“Toby has down a power of work on and off the training track while he hasn’t been able to play and we know the quality he adds to our side.
“We were understandably cautious with Jonny last weekend with his hamstring tightness but he trained really confidently on Tuesday and Thursday and has been cleared to play.”
The GIANTS have opted not to replace the suspended Shane Mumford with a fellow ruckman, instead backing in Rory Lobb and Patton against the Bulldogs.
Small forward Devon Smith will miss Friday night’s clash due to a minor knee injury.
Smith missed five matches through the middle part of the year after tearing his meniscus and requiring surgery.
“It’s unfortunate to again have Dev go out with a minor injury but as we’ve said all season, we won’t risk anyone who isn’t right,” Cameron said.
“We’re anticipating he’ll only be sidelined for this weekend.”
The GIANTS take on the Western Bulldogs at 7:50pm on Friday night at Etihad Stadium with live coverage on 7mate in NSW and the ACT and Channel 7 nationally.
Round 21
Western Bulldogs v GIANTS
Friday August 11, 7:50pm
Etihad Stadium
TEAM
FB: Aidan Corr, Nick Haynes, Nathan Wilson
HB: Adam Tomlinson, Phil Davis, Josh Kelly
C: Lachie Whitfield, Dylan Shiel, Heath Shaw
HF: Brett Deledio, Harry Himmelberg, Steve Johnson
FF: Tom Scully, Jonny Patton, Callan Ward
RR: Rory Lobb, Stephen Coniglio, Jacob Hopper
Interchange: Zac Williams, Matt de Boer, Toby Greene, Matt Kennedy
In: Toby Greene, Jonny Patton
Out: Shane Mumford (suspension), Devon Smith (knee)
Emergencies: Dawson Simpson, Harry Perryman, Daniel Lloyd
