Versatile big man Adam Tomlinson will return for the GIANTS as one of three changes for their clash with St Kilda at Spotless Stadium on Sunday.
Tomlinson spent 12 weeks on the sidelines after injuring his toe in round two and has been included in the GIANTS’ final 22 along with midfielder Stephen Conilgio (shoulder) and defender Nick Haynes (groin) who are also returning from injury.
Coach Leon Cameron said Tomlinson’s ability to play anywhere on the ground is a valuable asset for the team.
“Adam has been playing a key role for us as he’s established himself in the GIANTS side over the last 18 months; whether it be up forward, pinch-hitting in the ruck or on the wing,” Cameron said.
“It was unfortunate for him to suffer the first serious injury of his career after a really strong pre-season but he moved well for the UWS GIANTS in the NEAFL last weekend and we’re looking forward to having him back in the line-up.”
Adam Kennedy (omitted) comes out of the squad with Caleb Marchbank and James Stewart omitted yesterday.
Josh Kelly and Jed Lamb drop off the extended interchange named on Thursday night with the duo to join Kennedy as the emergencies.
The GIANTS take on St Kilda for the second time this year after a close nine-point win over the Saints in the season opener at Etihad Stadium in April.
“St Kilda’s form has been fantastic. It’s going to be a huge challenge for us, we look forward to it,” Cameron said.
“We have to back up our performance against Richmond. We come up against a really good in-form team that tackles really well, moves the ball well, defends well and obviously score well.”
In NEAFL team news, forward Jon Patton will line up for the UWS GIANTS in the curtain-raiser to Sunday’s main game as he makes his return from his second knee reconstruction.
The GIANTS’ reserves take on Aspley at 9.30am at Spotless Stadium on Sunday.
The GIANTS take on St Kilda in a Celebration of Western Sydney match at Spotless Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday with kids in for free. Click here to get your tickets now.
GWS GIANTS v St Kilda
Sunday July 12, 1.10pm
Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
GWS GIANTS
FB: Matt Buntine, Aidan Corr, Curtly Hampton
HB: Tom Scully, Nick Haynes, Heath Shaw
C: Zac Williams, Stephen Coniglio, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Ryan Griffen, Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene
FF: Devon Smith, Cam McCarthy, Adam Treloar
RR: Tom Downie, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel
Interchange: Jack Steele, Rory Lobb, Adam Tomlinson, Rhys Palmer
In: Stephen Coniglio, Nick Haynes, Adam Tomlinson
Out: Adam Kennedy, James Stewart, Caleb Marchbank (omitted)
Emergencies: Josh Kelly, Jed Lamb, Adam Kennedy
Tommo the Tank is Back
Versatile big man Adam Tomlinson will return for the GIANTS as one of three changes for their clash with St Kilda at Spotless Stadium on Sunday.