Defenders Matt Buntine and Connor Idun, midfielder Tom Green and forward Xavier O’Halloran have been recalled to the GIANTS side to take on Melbourne at Manuka Oval on Sunday evening.

Buntine will return for his first game since round 17, 2019, alongside young defender Idun who was omitted for last week’s loss to the Dockers.

Midfield bull Green also comes back into the team - for his first game at home in the nation's capital - while O’Halloran will play his first match of the season, and third of his career.

Out of the side go Harry Perryman (illness), Sam Reid (suspension) as well as Zach Sproule and Tanner Bruhn (omitted).

GIANTS coach Leon Cameron said:

“We know we let ourselves down last weekend and we’ve had a big week on the training track to prepare for a strong Demons side.

“They’re an impressive midfield unit but equally we know that at our best, contested ball is an area we really pride ourselves on.

“It’s been a week of good, honest conversations and I’m fully expecting a response from our guys at home on Sunday evening.

“We’re looking forward to playing in front of our loyal members and fans at Manuka Oval for the first time in 600-odd days and we’re sure the Orange Army will be in full voice.”

The GIANTS take on the Demons at Manuka Oval at 6:10pm on Sunday with tickets still available via Ticketek.

Round 3

FB: Sam Taylor, Lachlan Keeffe, Matt Buntine
HB: Isaac Cumming, Nick Haynes, Lachie Ash
C: Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Jack Buckley
HF: Tim Taranto, Toby Greene, Matt de Boer
FF: Bobby Hill, Harry Himmelberg, Brent Daniels
RR: Matt Flynn, Jacob Hopper, Callan Ward

Interchange: Phil Davis, Tom Green, Connor Idun, Xavier O’Halloran

In: Matt Buntine, Connor Idun, Tom Green, Xavier O’Halloran
Out: Harry Perryman (illness), Sam Reid (suspension), Zach Sproule, Tanner Bruhn (omitted)

Emergencies: Zach Sproule, Kieren Briggs, Conor Stone, Nick Shipley