Reigning Kevin Sheedy Medallist Josh Kelly will return to the GIANTS team for Sunday’s match against Melbourne at the MCG.
Kelly returns after missing the round 22 match due to concussion suffered in Canberra a week earlier against the Crows.
Having the in-form vice-captain return is a boost for the GIANTS, following a 20-point defeat to the Swans that ended a five-game winning streak.
Versatile utility Sam Reid is also a welcome return to the GIANTS side after the 28-year old missed the Sydney Derby with a minor hamstring injury.
The GIANTS have named a 26-man squad, with Isaac Cumming, Dylan Buckley and Zac Williams added to an extended interchange bench.
If Williams is selected, it would be his first game for the season following a ruptured Achilles tendon in January.
The dashing defender made a strong return in the NEAFL last week, collecting 30 possessions in his comeback match.
Both Cumming and Buckley have played two games for the GIANTS so far in 2018.
Veteran Ryan Griffen is the only confirmed out at this stage after suffering a hamstring injury in the third term against the Swans.
Co-captain Phil Davis was also under an injury cloud due to a hip complaint, but has been cleared to play and has been named at full back.
Sunday will be just the second time the GIANTS play at the MCG this season and the first time they have faced the Demons since round 20 in 2017.
The final 22 for Sunday’s match will be named at 5pm on Friday.
Melbourne v GIANTS
Sunday, August 26 at 3.20pm
MCG
FB: Jeremy Finlayson, Phil Davis, Adam Tomlinson
HB: Adam Kennedy, Nick Haynes, Harry Perryman
C: Lachie Whitfield, Callan Ward, Jacob Hopper
HF: Sam Reid, Jeremy Cameron, Aiden Bonar
FF: Zac Langdon, Harry Himmelberg, Josh Kelly
RR: Rory Lobb, Stephen Coniglio, Dylan Shiel
Extended Interchange: Daniel Lloyd, Brent Daniels, Isaac Cumming, Lachie Keeffe, Matt Buntine, Dylan Buckley, Tim Taranto, Zac Williams
In: Josh Kelly, Sam Reid, Isaac Cumming, Dylan Buckley, Zac Williams
Out: Ryan Griffen (hamstring)
