Match Preview: Round 10 v Eagles
Where and When: Sunday, May 23 at 1:10pm, GIANTS Stadium
Last time they met: The GIANTS and Eagles last faced off at Optus Stadium in round 13, 2020 as the GIANTS had just finished 14 days quarantine in Perth. Coming off a poor showing against the Swans the week before, it was a step forward for the GIANTS in a competitive performance but they were ultimately defeated by 12 points by the Eagles who were on an eight-game winning streak. Jake Riccardi made his AFL debut, kicking two goals while Harry Perryman, Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield were all lively.
Where to watch: Sunday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7mate in NSW and the ACT from 1pm.
What it means for the GIANTS: It’s a similar scenario to last week for the GIANTS who - despite a loss to the Tigers - are still sitting in ninth spot on the ladder. Last week the GIANTS were second last for games experience and age and it’ll again be a young GIANTS team taking on an older Eagles side. The GIANTS are back home at GIANTS Stadium where the two sides have only faced off a handful of times as the club celebrates their 10th season in the competition this week.
Where’s the opposition at: The Eagles are sitting in seventh spot on the ladder and have won four of their past five matches. All Australian duo Shannon Hurn and Liam Ryan could return to their side, provided they get through training this week. Should Hurn play, he’ll be running out for a club record-breaking 291st game. Key defender Jeremy McGovern (knee) and emerging tall Oscar Allen (elbow) pulled up sore from West Coast’s round nine victory – a five-goal triumph over the Crows – and were on light duties early in the week.
The number: 8. This week’s game will celebrate the GIANTS’ 10th season in the AFL, falling near the anniversary of the GIANTS’ first-ever game at GIANTS Stadium - against the Bombers on May 26, 2012. There are eight players left on the club’s list from that inaugural season - Phil Davis, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene, Callan Ward, Nick Haynes, Matt Buntine, Adam Kennedy and Sam Reid. Along with the Eagles and the Crows, it’s the most number of players still on a club’s list from back in 2012.
In the mix: Jeremy Finlayson is available for selection after serving a one-week suspension for striking. Nick Haynes and Sam Reid could come back into the side from their respective hamstring injuries - provided they train well on Thursday. The GIANTS played two rucks - Matt Flynn and debutant Kieren Briggs - last week against the Tigers and could look to do the same against a formidable Nic Naitanui with Shane Mumford in contention to fill one of those spots. There’ll be at least two forced changed (and a new captain) with Toby Greene out with a shoulder fracture and Harry Perryman to miss with a hamstring injury.
