Ruckman Shane Mumford will return as one of three changes to the GIANTS team to take on Collingwood at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday.
Defender Jake Stein and forward Jeremy Finlayson have also been included for the big clash against the Magpies.
Don't miss the GIANTS up close this Saturday as they take on Collingwood at GIANTS Stadium. Get your tickets here.
GIANTS Head Coach Leon Cameron said Mumford is ready to return after missing the GIANTS’ losses to Richmond and the Lions.
“Mummy comes back after a fortnight out with soreness,” he said.
“The time off has done his body a world of good and we know the impact he has on our midfield when he’s in there so we’re looking forward to what he brings.”
Stein will play just his second AFL game after making his debut in the GIANTS’ round 13 win over North Melbourne in Tasmania.
The key defender has been in strong form for the GIANTS NEAFL side over the past three games, regularly beating his opponents and averaging 15.3 disposals, four marks and four tackles per game.
“Jake gets another opportunity and truth be told he was unlucky to go out of the side after a pretty impressive debut,” Cameron said.
“To his credit he went back to the NEAFL and has continued to impress in the backline.”
Finlayson – who missed his first game of the 2019 season last week – brings some added attack to the GIANTS’ forwardline.
The powerful left footer sits equal 11th on the Coleman Medal leaderboard with 28 goals this season.
“Jeremy also returns to our forward line after being our travelling emergency last week,” Cameron said.
“We know when he’s up and going he’s a threat in the air and at ground level so we’re looking forward to what he can bring alongside Brent Daniels, Toby Greene, Bobby Hill and Jeremy Cameron.”
Cameron said his charges are ready to bounce back to form as they face second-placed Collingwood at GIANTS Stadium.
The Magpies are coming off a rousing one-point-win over West Coast in Perth, that saw them arrest a form slump.
The GIANTS are looking to do the same on Saturday evening.
“It’s a big game for us this weekend but we’re not shying away from that,” Cameron said.
“We’re really looking forward to being back home at GIANTS Stadium and hit the challenge of an in-form Collingwood head-on.”
Stephen Coniglio misses the clash as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Matt Buntine and Adam Kennedy have been omitted.
With the GIANTS surpassing 30,000 members on Wednesday, the club will celebrate their members on Saturday. Be there to be part of the “30 for 30” celebrations of this massive milestone for the club.
ROUND 18
GIANTS v Collingwood
Saturday, July 20 at 4:35pm
GIANTS Stadium
FB: Lachie Keeffe, Sam Taylor, Zac Williams
HB: Lachie Whitfield, Nick Haynes, Heath Shaw
C: Adam Tomlinson, Jacob Hopper, Brent Daniels
HF: Sam Reid, Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene
FF: Daniel Lloyd, Harry Himmelberg, Jeremy Finlayson
RR: Dawson Simpson, Harry Perryman, Tim Taranto
Interchange: Brett Deledio, Jake Stein, Bobby Hill, Shane Mumford
In: Shane Mumford, Jake Stein, Jeremy Finlayson, Lachie Keeffe
Out: Stephen Coniglio (knee), Matt Buntine, Adam Kennedy (omitted), Phil Davis (soreness)
Emergencies: Jackson Hately, Aiden Bonar, Matt Buntine, Adam Kennedy
