AFL.com.au writer Adam Curley has cast his eyes over the GIANTS list and picked his best side ahead of the 2016 season.
There’s the usual suspects in the back line including co-captain Phil Davis, vice-captain Heath Shaw and veterans Joel Patfull and Ryan Griffen.
Curley has opted for young defender Aidan Corr at full back after his break out season last year as well as fellow emerging tall Nick Haynes.
The centre line sees Tom Scully and Lachie Whitfield lining up on the wings like they did for much of last season as well as the other co-captain, Callan Ward, in his usual spot.
Shane Mumford has support with Ward, Dylan Shiel and Stephen Coniglio in the middle in a strong centre square grouping after Adam Treloar joined Collingwood in the off-season.
Veteran and new recruit Steve Johnson is named on the half-forward flank with a forward line also featuring Jeremy Cameron, Jonny Patton and Cam McCarthy - Which has only happened in the three games Patton played last year.
The versatile Adam Tomlinson is joined on the bench by this year’s number 7 draft pick Jacob Hopper who is yet to make his AFL debut, as well as defender Zac Williams and ball-magnet Toby Greene.
Adam Curley’s Best 22
B: Joel Patfull, Aidan Corr, Phil Davis
HB: Ryan Griffen, Nick Haynes, Heath Shaw
C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Steve Johnson, Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith
F: Cam McCarthy, Jonathon Patton,Rhys Palmer
Foll: Shane Mumford, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio
I/C, Adam Tomlinson, Jacob Hopper, Zac Williams, Toby Greene
DEPTH
Key-position defenders: Caleb Marchbank, Tim Mohr
General defenders: Matt Buntine, Adam Kennedy, Nathan Wilson
Key-position forwards: Jeremy Finlayson, Harrison Himmelberg, James Stewart
General forwards: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Daniel Lloyd, Patrick McKenna, Jarrod Pickett, Sam Reid
Midfielders: Paul Ahern, Jake Barrett, Josh Kelly, Matthew Kennedy, Jack Steele
Rucks: Tom Downie, Matthew Flynn, Rory Lobb, Dawson Simpson
Adam Curley says: “The return of ruckman Shane Mumford and the addition of three-time Geelong premiership star Steve Johnson bring immediate quality to the GIANTS, while academy draftees Jacob Hopper and Matthew Kennedy increase their midfield options.
“Versatility and consistency gave some players the nod over more talented or higher-profile teammates.
On the bench, Adam Tomlinson gives fantastic support to Mumford, but can also play as a key forward or back, and with less rotations this season, his running ability will be crucial.
“Zac Williams (running defender), Toby Greene (small forward) and Hopper (small forward) have the ability to play through the midfield, so they keep the likes of Josh Kelly, Jack Steele and Will Hoskin-Elliott out of the side.”
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