Saturday’s match between the GIANTS and Carlton has some added spice with four Blues making a return to a ground they used to call home.
Ruckman Andrew Phillips, defender Lachie Plowman and midfielder Liam Sumner have been named to play against their former club at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
They’re joined by Jed Lamb who started his career at Sydney before arriving at Carlton after two seasons at the GIANTS.
Phillips – who returns to the Carlton lineup after three weeks in the VFL on the back of a hamstring injury – holds a special place in GIANTS history.
The 203cm ruckman made his AFL debut in the GIANTS historic first win over Gold Coast in round seven, 2012.
Opportunities in the senior team were few and far between for Phillips, and after 14 games over four seasons he moved to Carlton.
The move has paid off for Phillips, playing in the Blues’ first six games of 2016 before injury struck.
Sumner – who scored a goal in the GIANTS’ first win – has also had greater opportunities since moving to Carlton.
The speedy winger has played eight games so far this year averaging over nine disposals per game and kicking five goals.
It’s a positive step for Sumner who played just six times for the WSU GIANTS in 2015 after wrist and foot injuries wrecked his season.
Lamb and Plowman have been mainstays in the Blues lineup this season, playing key roles in their push towards the top eight.
Lamb has averaged 13 disposals and a goal in 11 games as a small forward, while key defender Plowman has also averaged 13 disposals in nine games after making his Carlton debut in round four.
Plowman’s efforts down back haven’t gone unnoticed with the former first round draft pick keeping the Bulldogs’ Jake Stringer goalless in his Blues debut and keeping Geelong’s Shane Kersten off the scorers list in round 11.
The quartet will return to Spotless Stadium when the GIANTS take on Carlton on Saturday at 4.35pm. Tickets start from just $48 for two adults and two children and adults $24.