The GIANTS have recalled Jake Riccardi, Jeremy Finlayson and Shane Mumford for Saturday’s clash with the Magpies at the MCG, with Conor Stone to also debut.
As revealed earlier on Friday, 18-year-old Stone will play his first AFL match on the game’s biggest stage.
Just the second player in GIANTS history to don the number 18 jumper, Stone will make it his own when he runs out on Saturday night.
“We’re excited for Conor to run out on Saturday night,” coach Leon Cameron said.
“All of our first year players have been very impressive since arriving at our football club and Conor certaintly deserves this opportunity.
“Conor’s a super-versatile player and has impressed us with his power, endurance and competitiveness.”
Mumford will come in for his first game of the season with young ruck Matt Flynn out (managed) for the match.
Tall forwards Finlayson and Riccardi will also play their first matches of the season in a re-jigged forward line.
“Flynny’s done a terrific job over his first few games but he’s a young player and it’s a long season so he’ll have a rest this weekend,” Cameron said.
“Jake’s overcome an ankle injury that set him back for a few weeks and we look forward to him resuming.
“Jeremy has been building well into some good form at the lower level and we’re looking forward to him having an impact on the game as well.”
Also out of the side are injured trio Stephen Coniglio (ankle), Phil Davis (calf) and Matt de Boer (hamstring).
Vice-captain Toby Greene will captain the side.
The GIANTS take on Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday night.