Midfielder Jono O’Rourke will play his first match this season when the GIANTS play the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
O’Rourke made his AFL debut against the Swans in Round 16, 2013 after being selected with the number two pick in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
The 20-year old comes into the team for his second AFL match alongside experienced defender Heath Shaw, who has overcome a hamstring injury.
O’Rourke and Shaw replace Toby Greene (suspended) and Josh Kelly (hamstring tightness).
Saturday’s match against the Suns will be the GIANTS 50th AFL match.
Head Coach Leon Cameron said: “It’s going to be a big challenge against the Gold Coast.”
“They’ve got a very good midfield and they’re starting to build a really potent forward line and they also have some really good key backs so there will be challenges all over the ground but ones we’re really looking forward to.
“It’s really exciting to see Jono O’Rourke play his first game. He’s had some really strong NEAFL form for the UWS GIANTS in recent weeks and he’ll play through the midfield on the weekend.
“It’s also great to have Heath Shaw back from a minor hamstring. He’s looking to continue on his great form from the previous couple of weeks and his experience down back is going to be very valuable,” he said.
The GIANTS play the Gold Coast Suns this Saturday at 1.40pm at Metricon Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on 7mate and Fox Footy throughout NSW and the ACT.
GWS GIANTS v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday April 26, 1.40pm
Metricon Stadium
GWS GIANTS
B: Curtly Hampton, Lachie Plowman, Adam Kennedy
HB: Nick Haynes, Sam Frost, Adam Tomlinson
C: Zac Williams, Adam Treloar, Heath Shaw
HF: Jed Lamb, Jon Patton, Tomas Bugg
F: Devon Smith, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Boyd
FOLL: Jonathan Giles, Tom Scully, Callan Ward
I/C: Josh Hunt, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Jono O'Rourke, Stephen Coniglio
Emergencies: Matt Buntine, Mark Whiley, Dylan Shiel
In: Heath Shaw, Jono O'Rourke
Out: Josh Kelly (hamstring tightness), Toby Greene (suspension)
