Young defender Harry Himmelberg will become the GIANTS’ third debutant of the season when he lines up against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.
The GIANTS will name a 25-man squad at 6.25pm tonight but coach Leon Cameron confirmed in Thursday’s team meeting that Himmelberg will play his first game.
After playing every NEAFL game this year, Himmelberg has been in strong form off half back and in contention for his AFL debut for several weeks.
Originally a mobile forward, the 20-year-old was selected with pick 16 at the 2015 NAB AFL Draft after the GIANTS matched a bid from Adelaide for the GIANTS Academy graduate.
An over-age draftee, Himmelberg relocated from Mangoplah in the NSW Riverina and spent last season playing for Eastlake in the NEAFL.
Standing at 194cm and 87kg, Himmelberg has turned into a defender since arriving at the GIANTS and impressed with his ability to read the ball as well as his strong marking and clean foot skills.
Himmelberg is the third GIANTS Academy product to debut this year, behind number seven pick Jacob Hopper and number 13 pick Matthew Kennedy.
The GIANTS take on Brisbane at the Gabba at 4.40pm on Sunday afternoon. The 25-man squad will be named at 6.25pm with the final team to be announced on gwsgiants.com.au at 5pm on Friday.