GIANTS defender Matt Buntine is excited to get back on the field in the upcoming JLT Community Series.
For Buntine, it’s not just the prospect of seeing the latest batch of draftees show their wares on the big stage or the chance to press his case for selection; it’s the change to the GIANTS’ training schedule that has him excited.
“It’s always good when the games come around, you stop running laps and start playing footy which we all love to do,” he said.
“First game in Narrandera in 10 days and we’re really pumped for that, hopefully we bring a good team and make a really good contest of it.”
The GIANTS are likely to name a young squad to travel to Narrandera to take on the West Coast Eagles.
Buntine is looking forward to seeing the GIANTS’ latest batch of draftees put to the test after impressing so far this pre-season.
“Timmy Taranto is on the track and really impressing out there and Isaac Cumming and Lachie Tiziani are really taking everything in and really training hard,” he said.
“Hopefully they are all are picked next weekend and can really have a crack and show all our fans what they can bring to the club.
“For the rest of us it’s about getting match fit and try and put a good step forward for the start of the year.”
After missing parts of the 2016 season with concussion and hamstring issues, the agile defender is hoping his so-far injury-free pre-season will hold him in good stead.
“I haven’t missed much training at all which is a good thing at this time of the year,” he said.
“The more training you do, the fitter you’ll get so hopefully no concussions or unfortunate injuries this year.
“It’s going to be tight for spots this year. We’ve got a really good, competitive list so I’m just trying my best to get my name in the 22.”
The GIANTS take on the West Coast Eagles in the JLT Community Series in Narrandera on Saturday, February 18.
GIANTS 2017 members receive free access to the JLT Community Series (subject to availability) with general admission tickets available to purchase here
