Number two draft pick Jono O'Rourke will make his debut for the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS against Essendon in round 3 of the NAB Cup at Manuka Oval, Canberra on Friday night.

Veteran ruckman Dean Brogan will also play his first match of the season, coming in to the team alongside co-captain Phil Davis, midfielder Tom Scully, Setanta O'hAilpin and Curtly Hampton.

They are among a number of changes to the GIANTS side which lost by three points to the Brisbane Lions in Wagga Wagga last Saturday.

Key forward Jon Patton will miss the match against the Bombers with a corked quad and Nathan Wilson a shoulder injury.
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy says he can't wait for his young side to test themselves under lights at Manuka Oval against Essendon.

"It's going to be an exciting game, I'm coaching against my old club that I spent 27 years at," he said.

"We've made a lot of changes. Our performances so far have been very good, and we've been slightly unfortunate as the two teams that beat us have been by a kick.

"We'll be throwing in Jono O'Rourke for his first game. We also have our Vice-Captain Tom Scully coming back into the team, as well as Phil Davis so we have some seniority coming back in.

"We'll be competitive in Canberra, we'll be very good and it's fantastic to be coming up against the Bombers."