Matt Buntine, Adam Tomlinson and Jack Steele return to the GIANTS side to face Port Adelaide at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Sunday afternoon.
As revealed in yesterday’s squad announcement, Aidan Corr (ankle - four weeks), Devon Smith (knee - one week) and Will Hoskin-Elliott (quad - one week) are all ruled out of this week’s game with injury.
After playing the first two games of the season, Buntine was a late withdrawal from last week’s team with a tight hamstring but will slot straight back into the backline.
Utility Adam Tomlinson returns to the side after two outstanding weeks in the NEAFL where he averaged 34 touches and 17 marks a game
Young midfielder and local Canberran Jack Steele also comes back into the senior side after a best-on-ground performance for the Western Sydney University GIANTS last weekend with 32 touches and three goals.
“It’s going to be a tough assignment against Port so they’ve got to carry than form from NEAFL to AFL,” coach Leon Cameron said.
“Jack had a really good NAB Cup, probably struggled a little bit in round one but he’s found the ball really well, hit the scoreboard last week and we’re really confident he can transfer that to AFL level this week.”
ROUND 4 INSIGHT WITH LEON CAMERON
Nick Haynes, Jarrod Pickett and Jacob Hopper drop off the extended bench and are the emergencies for Sunday’s match.
Cameron said he was tempted to bring Haynes back in after his first full game in the NEAFL last weekend.
“The temptation with losing key defenders is to bring him in but it’s not fair on him and it’s not fair on the other six defenders because his ground time will be compromised,” Cameron said.
“We want Nick, when he comes in, to play 16 or 17 games straight instead of coming in and having a set-back. It was a tough one because we rate him really highly but he needs one more.”
Lion-hearted GIANT Joel Patfull will also notch up his 200th AFL game in his 18th appearance for the club after 182 games and two best and fairest awards at the Brisbane Lions.
“It’s unique, absolutely unique. Joel’s only been here for a small part of his career at our club and there’s no doubt he carved a fantastic career at the Lions,” Cameron said.
“14 years at the top level is fantastic and for him to play his 200th game … He’s a really popular member of our group and the guys love him and love the way he flies back into packs without any regard for his own personal safety.”
Cameron is expecting a quick and tough game against the Power, who are ranked number one for closing pressure and number one for forward-half pressure based on Champion Data’ rankings.
“Port, they have a really good brand of footy. They can move the ball quickly, they defend, their number one in terms of pressure in the AFL,” Cameron said.
“I think you’ll see a really good, tough brand of footy from both clubs.
“It’s great for the people of Canberra and the surrounding areas who saw us play against Geelong a couple of weeks ago. We love playing there and hopefully we can use our home-ground advantage again this week.”
Tickets are selling fast so get in quick and secure your spot at Manuka Oval for this Sunday’s blockbuster clash. CLICK HERE to get your tickets now.
GWS GIANTS v Port Adelaide
Sunday, April 17
1.10pm
Manuka Oval, Canberra
GIANTS SQUAD
FB: Joel Patfull, Phil Davis, Adam Kennedy
HB: Heath Shaw, Matt Buntine, Zac Williams
C: Tom Scully, Stephen Coniglio, Nathan Wilson
HF: Rhys Palmer, Rory Lobb, Josh Kelly
FF: Steve Johnson, Jonathon Patton, Toby Greene
R: Shane Mumford, Dylan Shiel, Ryan Griffen
Interchange: Jack Steele, Lachie Whitfield, Adam Tomlinson, Callan Ward
Emergencies: Jarrod Pickett, Nick Haynes, Jacob Hopper
