The GIANTS have added 524 games of experience to their line up with three inclusions to face the Blues at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Veterans Shane Mumford and Steve Johnson return for the round 14 clash after each missing last week’s match with minor injuries.
“They’ve both got through training, which is good,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“We were unsure about whether they would get through the main session but they’ve pulled up well today.
“They’re obviously an integral part of the team. Shane’s keen to get back and play, he wanted to play last week but his ankle was pretty sore.
“He’s looking forward to the challenge on Saturday, he knows it’s a big one - Matthew Kreuzer’s in really, really good form so he looks forward to that on Saturday afternoon.”
Also coming into the side is forward Rhys Palmer who had 52 touches, 14 clearances, 11 inside 50s and four goals for the WSU GIANTS last weekend.
“Rhys’ form has been really good; so’s Jack Steele, so’s Adam Tomlinson, Jake Barrett’s been in really good form as well so it’s great that they’re pushing the door down,” Cameron said.
“Rhys has been there and done that and that’s why he’s got the nod but it was a really tough selection this week because some of the guys that have come back in have pushed some guys out who have played some really good footy.”
Co-captain Phil Davis is also fit to take his place against the Blues after being cleared of the minor toe injury he sustained in the win over the Bombers.
“He did some cross- training here yesterday on the back of a short week,” Cameron said.
“We expect him to train tomorrow, we expect him to play on Saturday. He’s really confident, I’ve spoken to him. He did get through the game last week so we’ve just managed him this week.
“If he’s putting his hand up he’s got to be right and we trust Phil in those decisions being the captain of our footy club so we look forward to seeing him out there on Saturday.”
Out of the side go ruckman Tom Downie and forward Sam Reid who have both been omitted while young midfielder Jacob Hopper has been given the week off after playing six games straight since making his AFL debut.
“We’re going to manage Jacob so he’s not going to play this weekend. He’s had a big six weeks so being a first-year player we’re rapt with how he’s gone but also we’re mindful that playing six or seven weeks in a row really takes its toll.”
The GIANTS got the points over the Bombers last weekend at Etihad Stadium but there’s plenty of room for improvement as they return home and get set to take on a Blues side who have won six of their past eight games.
“Our defensive mindset wasn’t there, particularly in the first half. We’ve got to make sure the defensive side of our game is up,” Cameron said.
“Carlton’s method of using the ball is really, really good. They’re coached well, they defend well so if we’re not on song it will be down their end more than it is down our end.”
The GIANTS take on Carlton at home at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 4.35pm with tickets starting from just $48 for two adults and two children and adults $24.
GWS GIANTS v Carlton
Saturday June 25, 4.35pm
Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
GWS GIANTS
FB: Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Joel Patfull
HB: Matt Buntine, Nick Haynes, Zac Williams
C: Nathan Wilson, Ryan Griffen, Josh Kelly
HF: Matt Kennedy, Rory Lobb, Rhys Palmer
FF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Dylan Shiel
RR: Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Stephen Coniglio
Interchange: Tom Scully, Steve Johnson, Jonathon Patton, Lachie Whitfield
In: Shane Mumford, Steve Johnson, Rhys Palmer
Out: Jacob Hopper (managed), Tom Downie, Sam Reid (omitted)
Emergencies: Jack Steele, Adam Tomlinson, Adam Kennedy
