Key forward Jonathon Patton will play his first game of the year as the GIANTS’ side to face Geelong at Manuka Oval on Sunday is finalised.
Patton is one of three changes to the team that were narrowly defeated by Melbourne in round one.
Midfielder Stephen Coniglio and forward Will Hoskin-Elliott also return to the side, as revealed when the squad was named on Thursday. Jack Steele, Adam Tomlinson and James Stewart are the three omissions.
Patton played three AFL games last season after returning from his second knee reconstruction. Last week he kicked five goals in the NEAFL trial match against the Swans, playing mainly against veteran defender Ted Richards.
Coach Leon Cameron said the 22-year-old key forward had earned his spot in the GIANTS’ line-up.
“He’s had some good form in the last two or three weeks at NEAFL level. He’s regaining some confidence bit by bit and it’s good he can work his way back into the team,” Cameron said.
“He knows there’s areas of his game he needs to keep working on. Obviously hitting the scoreboard, that’s a big role to play for a key forward.
“But he’s starting to be confident in his body and that’s what we want to see. We want to see him compete really hard on Sunday against the Cats.”
CLICK HERE TO HEAR FROM COACH LEON CAMERON
Recently elevated to the club’s leadership group, Coniglio returns to the side after missing the final two NAB Challenge games with a hamstring strain.
After being named among the best in last week’s NEAFL trial, Hoskin-Elliott also gets an opportunity in a new-look forward line missing Jeremy Cameron through suspension.
“Coniglio was a hard one last week, he had 30 days off between games and we just thought he needed a run,” Cameron said.
“He went back and played NEAFL and played really, really well. He’s in our leadership group, he’s a real competitor and we love having him in the team.
“Will Hoskin-Elliott’s form has been really good as well and these guys get their opportunity.
“Selection is tough, we need it to be tough but guys who perform constantly over and over again will play AFL footy.”
The last time Hoskin-Elliott crossed paths with the Cats he had a career-high 27 disposals along with seven marks, four tackles and a goal.
Cameron knows how difficult the challenge of facing an impressive Cats outfit who convincingly beat the reigning premiers on Easter Monday will be.
“Most football observers would have thought Geelong were going to be a team to reckon with this year,” Cameron said.
“Just in the way they went about their recruiting and they’re really well coached as well. We’re under no illusions it’s going to be a really, really tough game but one we really look forward to.
“We play at Manuka Oval for the first time this year, which is fantastic, and we get an opportunity to play against a really good, quality team.”
The GIANTS take on Geelong at Manuka Oval in Canberra at 1.10pm on Sunday, April 3 in the first of three blockbuster clashes in the nation’s capital this season.
Tickets are selling fast so get yours now at ticketek.com.au or get on board and become a GIANTS member with three huge games in Canberra this season. Head to membership.gwsgiants.com.au or call 1300 442 687 today.
GWS GIANTS
Final Team
FB: Heath Shaw, Aidan Corr, Caleb Marchbank
HB: Nathan Wilson, Phil Davis, Adam Kennedy
C: Lachie Whitfield, Callan Ward, Will Hoskin-Elliott
HF: Rhys Palmer, Rory Lobb, Tom Scully
FF: Stephen Coniglio, Steve Johnson, Devon Smith
RR: Shane Mumford, Ryan Griffen, Dylan Shiel
Interchange: Matt Buntine, Josh Kelly, Toby Greene, Jonathon Patton
Emergencies: Jack Steele, Zac Williams, Adam Tomlinson
