Superstar Lachie Whitfield will return to the GIANTS line-up for the first time this season as he gets set to take on the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Whitfield is joined in the side by new recruit Jesse Hogan - who also plays his first game of 2021 - as well as Shane Mumford and Sam Reid.
Mumford replaces Matt Flynn in the ruck while Reid comes in after missing last week’s clash with a minor hamstring injury.
The quartet bring 540 games of experience to a side that last week was the youngest and least experienced in the competition.
Nick Haynes goes out of the side after injuring his hamstring last week while Flynn, Jake Riccardi and Conor Stone have been omitted.
Leon Cameron welcomed Whitfield back into the side.
“Lachie’s clearly an important player for us,” Cameron said.
“He helps us structurally and he’s such a skilful player who provides plenty of run.
“He’s got a great record of coming straight back in after injury and we back him to perform well and play his role at Adelaide Oval tomorrow.
“We also welcome back some experience with Shane to lead our ruck division against a really good opposition ruck in Reilly O’Brien and it’s great to see Sam back in after that minor hammy.
“As I said earlier in the week, we’re also looking forward to Jesse playing in GIANTS colours for the first time.
“We know he’ll bring his huge work rate and compete in the air and that’s all we’re asking from him.
“It’s a great challenge for our side to take on the Crows on their home deck and one we’re looking forward to.”
The GIANTS take on the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, live on Channel 7 in NSW and the ACT and Fox Sports 3 nationally from 2:10pm EST.
