Rhys Cooyou will become the 36th GIANTS player to make his AFL debut in 2012 when Greater Western Sydney plays St Kilda at Etihad Stadium this Saturday.
Cooyou was yesterday elevated to the senior list after the GIANTS placed defender Tim Mohr on the long-term injury list.
WATCH KEVIN SHEEDY'S TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT:
Recruited from East Freemantle, Cooyou was selected by the GIANTS with the number two pick in the 2010 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
The exciting forward impressed with his speed and agility in the 2011 NAB Cup, but was unfortunately struck down with injury through most of the season.
Cooyou is the nephew of former Richmond player Michael Mitchell, who played 81 games for Richmond between 1986 and 1991. Michael will be at the game on Saturday to see Rhys make his debut.
All three players from the GIANTS rookie list – Cooyou, Andrew Phillips and Sam Frost - have now been elevated to the senior side and have made their AFL debut with the club.
The GIANTS have made a further six changes to the side for this weekend’s clash, with co-captain Callan Ward headlining the list of inclusions. Rhys Palmer, Adam Treloar, Tom Bugg, Adam Tomlinson and Nathan Wilson have all also been recalled to the senior side.
Tom Scully and Israel Folau have both been ruled out of the side with back soreness while Matt Buntine, Steve Clifton, Shaun Edwards, Tim Golds and Anthony Miles have all been omitted.
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said it was exciting for Cooyou to make his debut after a long run of injuries.
“Rhys has had a frustrating run with his hamstrings over the last two years. But to his credit he has gone back and done the rehab and the work required to get himself fit. I’m really pleased that we are in a position to give him this opportunity,” he said.
“We also have a number of other good players back this week including Callan Ward as well as Adam Treloar and Tom Bugg who are among seven of our first year players who have been nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star award this year.
“It’s always great to play in Melbourne and this is another step in the development of our young club to play against a very good side in St Kilda.”
