The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have named three new players for the Battle of the Bridge, Sydney Derby III, against the Swans at ANZ Stadium this Saturday.
Number one draft pick Lachie Whitfield and number three selection Lachie Plowman will make their AFL debuts after strong performances in the NAB Cup.
Former Hawthorn premiership defender Stephen Gilham will also play his first game for the GIANTS in what will be 100th AFL game after 98 with the Hawks and one with Port Adelaide.
The GIANTS have named close to a full strength side for the season opener with only Chad Cornes and Dom Tyson sidelined by knee injuries.
Whitfield, 18, is a midfielder who was recruited from Mornington in Victoria. He was voted the best player at 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 championships where he averaged 23 possessions a game.
Plowman, 18, is a defender who was recruited from Macedon in Victoria. At 192 cms and 84 kgs, he is rated for his ability to win the ball in the air and on the ground.
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said: “We have a reasonably experienced line-up and the boys performed well in the NAB Cup. We’ve been in pretty good form and are looking forward to the contest.”
On Gilham, he said: “He’s fitted in pretty well and done everything asked of him and to reach 100 games of AFL football is a terrific milestone.”
Sheedy said he was excited by the prospect of Whitfield and Plowman making their debuts. “Lachie Plowman is a very strong and capable defender who can play as a third key tall or play on smaller players if necessary,” he said.
“Lachie Whitfield is a very good runner and reads the play very well and is going to be a great player in the AFL over the next decade. We wish both the boys well and are delighted their families will be there to share the occasion with them on Saturday.”
The GIANTS will play the Swans in the Battle of the Bridge, Sydney Derby III, at ANZ Stadium at 4.40pm Saturday March 30. Tickets are available through www.ticketek.com.au
The teams will play for the White Ribbon Cup which works to eliminate violence against women. The best player on the ground will be awarded the Brett Kirk Medal.
