Number one draft pick Lachie Whitfield will return to the side to play the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium this Sunday.

Whitfield, who recently signed a contract extension with the GIANTS until the end of 2016, will play his 19^th game for the club.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old James Stewart will become the eighth GIANTS player to debut this season.

Recruited from Sandringham, Stewart was drafted with pick 27 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.

Stewart is one of seven additions to the GIANTS 25-man squad with midfielders Lachie Whitfield and Mark Whiley, defenders Stephen Gilham and Matthew Buntine recalled with Shaun Edwards and Gerald Ugle named on an extended interchange bench.

Co-captain Callan Ward is out of the side after undergoing a hip operation, Adam Treloar (ankle) and Nathan Wilson (quad) will miss the match due to injury while Dean Brogan has retired.

Head Coach Kevin Sheedy says he’s thrilled to see James Stewart become the 46^th player to run out for the GIANTS this season.

“James Stewart has worked hard this season and it’s great that he finally gets his opportunity,” said Sheedy.

“He’s about 198cm tall, he’s a good athlete and has very good skills and he’s the son of Craig Stewart who played for Collingwood and the mighty Tigers back in the 80s.”

To see an interview with James Stewart, click here.

Sunday’s match against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium will be Sheedy’s last as Head Coach of the GIANTS.

“It’s been fantastic to be part of the growth of this club in it’s infancy as coach.

“We’re really looking forward to the game against the Gold Coast Suns and it’ll be good to measure ourselves against a team that’s really improved this season.

“With that 50-100 games experience behind some of their players, now they’re well on the way to improving and having an opportunity to go into the finals in the next couple of years,” he said.