The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have today announced that Chad Cornes is a late withdrawal from Saturday’s side due to general soreness.
Local Canberra boy Josh Bruce, who was named as an emergency, will come into the side to make his AFL debut – the 22nd GIANT to do so in 2012.
Bruce played his junior football with local Canberra club Eastlake and joined the GIANTS 2009 as a member of the Team GWS TAC Cup side and was later selected as a zone recruit under the GIANTS list establishment rules.
Bruce is a tall key position player who was a member of the 2010 Under 18 All Australian side.
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said the GIANTS were thrilled to welcome another Canberra player into the side.
“Bruce is a strong contested marking player. He’s had some strong performances in our NEAFL side in the last two weeks and comes into the team with great form,” he said.
“It’s a an exciting opportunity for him to make his AFL debut in front of his home crowd. We’re thrilled to be able to start both of our Canberra players on the ground in our very first AFL match at Manuka Oval.”
The GIANTS will take on the Western Bulldogs on Saturday April 28 at Manuka Oval at 1:45pm, fighting it out for the Prime Minister’s Cup.
GWS GIANTS v Western Bulldogs - Round 5
9.25am Gates Open
9.30am UWS GIANTS v Eastlake
1.39pm ANZAC Observance Ceremony
1.45pm GIANTS v Western Bulldogs
4.30-6.30pm Member’s Post Match Function – Eastlake
