The GIANTS have made one change for Saturday’s Preliminary Final with experienced forward Rhys Palmer returning to the side.
With veteran half-forward Steve Johnson suspended for one match for rough conduct following the win over the Swans in the Qualifying Final, there was always going to be at least one change for the Preliminary Final against the Western Bulldogs.
Coach Leon Cameron has opted for the 121-game West Australian who has been in scintillating NEAFL form.
“It was a really tough decision with obviously Steve being out with a week’s suspension,” Cameron said.
“We’ve brought Rhys Palmer in, he’s been in really good form at NEAFL level over the past six weeks.
“There were a number of players who could have filled the void but we’ve chosen Rhys.
“We feel as though he can provide a target for us up forward, provide some really good forward pressure and go into the midfield if we need him.”
Palmer has played 11 games in the 2016 season for 13 goals but hasn’t appeared in the senior side since the GIANTS’ round 16 loss to Collingwood.
In the WSU GIANTS’ NEAFL Premiership victory, Palmer had 32 touches, six tackles and kicked a goal. He also effected a huge smother in the dying stages that led to the winning goal.
The previous week in the Preliminary Final he was clearly best on ground with 35 touches, 13 tackles and four goals.
The GIANTS have had another week off following their 36-point win over the Swans but have prepared exactly the same as during the pre-finals bye.
Cameron is confident the extra break won’t affect his side’s intensity.
“I think we’ll find that out on Saturday,” Cameron said.
“Either way Prelims are really hard to win. They’re the hardest game to win because you probably think you’re nearly there but there’s another hurdle to get over and there’s a huge hurdle for us in the ‘Dogs.
“If you look through their entire season, they’ve obviously had some injuries to key players and they’ve found a way to bring in youth and players to fill that void.
“This is year that everyone probably thought anything is possible and anything can happen. What you’re seeing right now is a side outside the top four that has a genuine push towards a Grand Final.
“Obviously we’re here to make our own history as well and the two teams play a really hard and fast brand of footy.
“There’s going to be one side written up on Saturday night as a fantastic story and the other story will be one of missed opportunity.
“The game is so even in so many statistical areas so it’s likely to come down to the last five minutes and someone will be happy and someone will be upset.
“Our guys are really looking forward to the challenge and they can’t wait to play on Saturday afternoon.”
Come along to GIANTS HQ before the huge Final for a pre-match function with live music, face painting and merchandise on sale. Then join the GIANTS march to Spotless Stadium, leaving from GIANTS HQ at 3.45pm.
The GIANTS take on the Western Bulldogs at 5.15pm at Spotless Stadium on Saturday, tickets are still available so get yours now from ticketmaster.com.au and get your orange on
GWS GIANTS v Western Bulldogs
Saturday September 24, 5.15pm
Spotless Stadium
GWS GIANTS
FB: Adam Tomlinson, Phil Davis, Nathan Wilson
HB: Heath Shaw, Joel Patfull, Ryan Griffen
C: Jacob Hopper, Stephen Coniglio, Tom Scully
HF: Dylan Shiel, Jeremy Cameron, Jonathon Patton
FF: Rhys Palmer, Rory Lobb, Devon Smith
RR: Shane Mumford, Toby Greene, Callan Ward
Interchange: Zac Williams, Lachie Whitfield, Josh Kelly, Nick Haynes
In: Rhys Palmer
Out: Steve Johnson (suspended)
Emergencies: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Adam Kennedy, Sam Reid
