Rookie recruit Tendai Mzungu will make his GIANTS debut on Sunday afternoon, being named in the final 22 to take on the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
It’s been a fast track back to the top level for the former Fremantle Docker who was delisted by the club at the end of last season after playing just five matches in 2016, with his last game coming in round 18.
The GIANTS threw the versatile 102-gamer a lifeline, selecting him in the 2016 AFL Rookie Draft.
He has gone on to impress at every step in his new colours, finishing in the top five of all time-trials across pre-season and picking up 22 touches and a goal in the GIANTS’ JLT Community Series match against the West Coast Eagles.
“It wasn’t something I expected. I was hopeful - like everyone else coming into round one - but to get the news, I was really excited,” Mzungu said.
“It’s been a big summer and coming into a new club, I worked really hard and I’m really thankful Leon and the coaching staff gave me an opportunity.
“I thought probably the window had closed. A lot of hard work has gone into it and in myself I’m happy I never gave up and kept working hard and thankfully I got an opportunity here, but I know it’s a long year and this is just the start hopefully.”
The 31-year-old was upgraded from the rookie list just on a week ago and said it’s been a seamless transition into the orange and charcoal.
“It’s an easy group to fit in with,” Mzungu said.
“They work really hard but there’s that great balance between hard work and enjoying it.
“It’s a stressful environment but I have really enjoyed the last three or four months here. In that sense I’ve fit in really well and then the next test is game day, which is the ultimate aim.”
Mzungu has been named on the interchange along with forward Devon Smith, defender Matt Buntine and debutant Tim Taranto.
Nathan Wilson, Dawson Simpson and Sam Reid drop off the extended bench and will be the emergencies for the round one clash.
The GIANTS take on the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, March 26 at 3.20pm (AEST) with live coverage nationally on Channel 7 and Fox Footy and 7mate in NSW and the ACT.
Round 1
Adelaide Crows v GWS GIANTS
Sunday, March 26 at 3.20pm
Adelaide Oval
GWS GIANTS
FB: Zac Williams, Phil Davis, Adam Tomlinson
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Haynes, Ryan Griffen
C: Adam Kennedy, Dylan Shiel, Josh Kelly
HF: Steve Johnson, Jonathon Patton, Rory Lobb
FF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Scully
RR: Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Matt Kennedy
Interchange: Devon Smith, Tim Taranto, Matt Buntine, Tendai Mzungu
New: Tim Taranto (2016 NAB AFL Draft, pick 2); Tendai Mzungu (GIANTS debut - 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, pick 15)
Emergencies: Nathan Wilson, Dawson Simpson, Sam Reid
