Young ruckman Andrew Phillips will play his first game of the season for the GIANTS after being named to face the Swans in Sydney Derby VII at the SCG on Saturday.
Phillips has played 10 games since being elevated off the rookie list in 2012 and was an emergency in the GIANTS’ 45-point win over Melbourne.
The 23-year old from Tasmania replaced injured forward Adam Tomlinson who’s sidelined for 12 weeks.
“Adam has been an integral part of our football club for the past few years and he’s obviously hurt his toe but that gives a great opportunity to Andrew Phillips,” GIANTS coach Leon Cameron said.
“He (Phillips) didn’t play last week because he was emergency and travelled with us but his form prior to that in the last three weeks has been terrific.
“Again, there were probably six or seven players in the NEAFL that put their hands up for selection and can be picked at any given time.”
Both clubs enter Sydney Derby VII undefeated and will look to continue their great start to the season.
“Sydney are a quality side who had a fantastic win against Port Adelaide last week so it’s a great opportunity to play in a really good quality, high pressure game,” Cameron said.
“There’s going to be a big crowd there and the more our players can experience that atmosphere the better - I think it’s going to be a cracking contest.
“No doubt there will be a lot of people wearing red and white at the SCG but it will be fantastic if GIANTS supporters can come along to make some noise.”
Cameron said he had confidence in the GIANTS backline to limit the influence of key Swans forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett.
“There’s no doubt Phil Davis will get the job on one of those players but Joel Patfull and Nick Haynes can do the same. Young Aidan Corr is also starting to progress as a key defender,” he said.
“With that in mind, If we just single out those two Swans targets we will be in trouble because their midfield also contribute to the scoreboard along with their crumbing forwards.
“There’s probably six or seven midfielders from both sides that can influence the match and I think it’s going to be a fantastic dual between two really good midfields.”
The GIANTS and Swans play for the White Ribbon Cup and the player judged best on ground will receive the Brett Kirk Medal.
Both clubs are proud supporters of White Ribbon, Australia’s only national, male led campaign to end violence against women.
The GIANTS play the Swans at 4.35pm on Saturday afternoon at the SCG. Tickets available through Ticketek.
Sydney Swans v GIANTS
Saturday April 18, 4.35pm
Sydney Cricket Ground
GWS GIANTS
FB: Aidan Corr, Phil Davis, Heath Shaw
HB: Nick Haynes, Joel Patfull, Tom Scully
C: Rhys Palmer, Callan Ward, Tom Bugg
HF: Lachie Whitfield, Jeremy Cameron, Ryan Griffen
FF: Devon Smith, Cam McCarthy, Dylan Shiel
R: Shane Mumford, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene
Interchange: Josh Kelly, Nathan Wilson, Stephen Coniglio, Andrew Phillips
In: Andrew Phillips
Out: Adam Tomlinson (toe)
Emergencies: Jed Lamb, Matt Buntine, Zac Williams.
