Defender Adam Kennedy and midfielder Matt Kennedy return to the line up along with young leader Dylan Shiel as the GIANTS get set to take on the West Coast Eagles at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The trio are three big inclusions for the clash, which could have a huge say in the make up of the 2016 finals series with the GIANTS currently sitting in fourth position on the AFL ladder and the Eagles in sixth.
Shiel returns to the side after missing last week’s hard-fought win over the Suns with a groin complaint. Coach Leon Cameron said Shiel trained strongly all week and is looking forward to running out at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
“The main day was Wednesday, he trained really well and now today he’s pulled up from that training,” Cameron said.
“We were a little concerned last week but he’s had a really good week and he looks forward to getting back into his rhythm on Saturday afternoon.”
Kennedy and Kennedy return after both starring for the WSU GIANTS in their NEAFL win last weekend.
“Their form’s been so good, they’ve forced their way back in which is fantastic. As we know, competition for spots is at a premium and we look forward to those boys coming in and making an impact on Saturday,” Cameron said.
“We’ve probably got nine or 10 backs trying to get into seven spots. Adam went back, probably had close to 30 possessions, gave us a lot of drive and beat his man."
Youngster Matt Kennedy had 32 touches, two goals and five tackles in last week's NEAFL clash and will return to the line up for his third AFL game.
“Matt will definitely play some midfield time, he’s really working away at his craft in his first year. No doubt he’ll also play some time up forward, he’s a really aggressive player, he likes putting his head over the footy.
“For five or six weeks he’s been in really good form so he gets his opportunity again, it’s a great opportunity in such a big game against the Eagles.”
Out of the side go defenders Nathan Wilson and Harry Himmelberg as well as forward Sam Reid.
Reid and Wilson have been omitted while first-year player Himmelberg is being managed after playing four big games since making his debut in round 17.
“Nathan’s had a really good year, the last three game since he’s come back from injury have been below par, he knows that and he’ll be determined to get back into the ones as soon as he can,” Cameron said.
The GIANTS return to Spotless Stadium after four weeks on the road, a venue where the Eagles haven’t played since round nine, 2013. The GIANTS have won five of their six games at home in Sydney this year.
“We look forward to coming back home, we haven’t been there for a month,” Cameron said.
“The ground’s in really good nick, we trained there yesterday, we expect the GIANTS supporters to be out and there’s no doubt it’ll be an absolute A-grade, quality match.”
GWS GIANTS v West Coast Eagles
Saturday August 13, 4.35pm
Spotless Stadium
GWS GIANTS
FB: Heath Shaw, Zac Williams, Nick Haynes
HB: Joel Patfull, Phil Davis, Adam Kennedy
C: Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Tom Scully, Jeremy Cameron, Adam Tomlinson
FF: Ryan Griffen, Rory Lobb, Toby Greene
RR: Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Devon Smith
Interchange: Jonathon Patton, Steve Johnson, Dylan Shiel, Matt Kennedy
In: Adam Kennedy, Dylan Shiel, Matt Kennedy
Out: Nathan Wilson, Sam Reid (omitted), Harry Himmelberg (managed)
