Adam Kennedy, Matt Buntine and Zac Williams will all play their first games of 2015 when the GIANTS host reigning premiers Hawthorn at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.

Kennedy (54 AFL games), Buntine (16) and Williams (19) have been named after impressing for the UWS GIANTS in the NEAFL, replacing Aidan Corr, Josh Kelly and Nathan Wilson who have been omitted.

Coach Leon Cameron said the in-form trio deserve senior selection.

“Adam, Matt and Zac’s form in the NEAFL over probably the past five or six weeks has been really, really strong,” he said.

“Obviously our performance on the weekend against West Coast, particularly in the second half, wasn’t to the standard that we think it should have been at.

“These guys have been really knocking on the door. Matthew Buntine has been playing back and a little bit of wing, Adam Kennedy’s had his customary role back and Zac Williams has been playing on-ball and back as well.

“The three of them have just been in terrific form ... so these three lads get their opportunity on Saturday against the Hawks.”

The GIANTS return to Spotless Stadium for the first time in 2015 to face the reigning premiers, with the Hawks having never played at the venue.

“It’s a huge task we know, clearly they’ve been the best side in the last eight or 10 years and their record speaks for itself,” Cameron said.

“They play a really hard brand of footy and we know they use the footy really, really well and if you’re not playing a really good brand of defence they will cut you up.   

“We feel as though that was a glitch last week. The challenge for our guys, and we’re confident we can do it, it to get straight back on the bike and have a fair dinkum crack at the Hawks.”

Midfielder and former number two draft pick Stephen Coniglio will play his 50th AFL game after arriving at the club through the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.

“He’s an integral part of our squad and he’s a great young leader of our footy club,” Cameron said.

“He’s had a few setbacks with his injuries along the journey but it’s just great to see him get to that 50-game milestone and we look forward to seeing what he can produce on Saturday afternoon.”

The GIANTS play Hawthorn at 4.35pm at Spotless Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park with a bonus half-time and post-match concert by Justice Crew.

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GWS GIANTS v Hawthorn
Saturday May 9, 4.35pm
Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park

GWS GIANTS

FB: Matt Buntine, Phil Davis, Tommy Bugg
HB: Joel Patfull, Nick Haynes, Heath Shaw
C: James Stewart, Ryan Griffen, Toby Greene
HF: Devon Smith, Jeremy Cameron, Callan Ward
FF: Lachie Whitfield, Cam McCarthy, Dylan Shiel
RR: Shane Mumford, Adam Treloar, Tom Scully

Interchange: Adam Kennedy, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Stephen Coniglio, Zac Williams

In: Adam Kennedy, Matt Buntine, Zac Williams
Out: Josh Kelly, Nathan Wilson, Aidan Corr (omitted)

Emergencies: Jack Steele, Tim Mohr, Rory Lobb