The return of forwards Devon Smith, Rhys Palmer and Cam McCarthy are among six changes to the GIANTS line-up to face Essendon as the final team is named for Sunday’s clash at Spotless Stadium.
As revealed on Thursday, former number one draft pick Jon Patton will return from his second knee reconstruction to play his first game in almost 12 months.
Defender Nick Haynes returns to the backline while ruckman Andrew Phillips will play his second game of the year.
“Smith, Palmer and Haynes all missed last round with minor injuries but they’ve all pulled up well and trained all week so they’re ready to go,” coach Leon Cameron said.
“As mentioned on Thursday it’s a real lift to have Jonny back in the AFL side after all the hard work he’s been through.
“Cam will come back in after a fortnight in the NEAFL. He’s a second-year player playing his first real block of AFL footy so we thought he needed a bit of a freshen up and we’re excited to have him back in the team.
“Tom Downie has been playing some good footy over the past five weeks but Andrew’s been knocking the door down for one of those ruck spots and he’ll get his opportunity on Sunday.”
It will be the first time McCarthy has played in a forward line with both Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton.
Matt Buntine will miss the match after two concussions in three weeks while Downie, Jed Lamb and James Stewart were omitted when the squad was named on Thursday.
Jack Steele, Adam Tomlinson and Tommy Bugg drop off the extended interchange and will be the emergencies for Sunday’s match.
The GIANTS take on Essendon on Sunday, August 9 at 3.20pm at Spotless Stadium as part of the 2015 Toyota AFL Multicultural Round. Tickets start from $24 for an adult and $48 for a family of two adults and two kids with children under 15 free.
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GWS GIANTS v Essendon
Sunday August 9, 3.20pm
Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
GWS GIANTS
FB: Tom Scully, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes
HB: Joel Patfull, Aidan Corr, Heath Shaw
C: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly
HF: Lachie Whitfield, Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene
FF: Rhys Palmer, Andrew Phillips, Devon Smith
R: Rory Lobb, Adam Treloar, Ryan Griffen
Interchange: Jon Patton, Nathan Wilson, Callan Ward, Cam McCarthy
In: Nick Haynes, Devon Smith, Rhys Palmer, Andrew Phillips, Jon Patton, Cam McCarthy
Out: Matt Buntine (concussion), Tom Downie, Jed Lamb, James Stewart, Adam Tomlinson, Jack Steele (omitted)
Emergencies: Adam Tomlinson, Jack Steele, Tommy Bugg
Small Forwards, Big Inclusions
The return of forwards Devon Smith, Rhys Palmer and Cam McCarthy are among six changes to the GIANTS line-up to face Essendon as the final team is named for Sunday’s clash at Spotless Stadium.
