The GIANTS have been hit by injury late in the week as six players are included in a 25-man squad to face Port Adelaide at Manuka Oval on Sunday.
As revealed late on Thursday afternoon, Devon Smith (knee) and Will Hoskin-Elliott (quad) have been ruled out with injury after failing to prove their fitness for the round four game.
Aidan Corr also goes out of the side after suffering an ankle injury against the Swans last Saturday, with the key defender to spend the next month on the sidelines.
Into the team comes defender Matt Buntine, who will take his place in the backline after being a late withdrawal from last week’s game with a tight hamstring.
There are five inclusions on an extended bench with Jack Steele, Adam Tomlinson, Nick Haynes, Jarrod Pickett and Jacob Hopper named alongside Callan Ward and Lachie Whitfield.
“We’ve had to make a number of changes due to injuries at both ends of the ground so that’ll give opportunities for other guys to step up,” coach Leon Cameron said.
"Port Adelaide are 2-1 and coming off an 11 goal win over Essendon so it’s going to be a really tough game for us as we look to get our second win of the season.
“The ground at Manuka Oval is a big ground with open spaces which is going to suit both teams so it’s going be a really good high energy game from end to end. "
Defender Nick Haynes could make his comeback from injury after his first full game in the reserves last week following pre-season groin surgery.
Utility Adam Tomlinson could return to the side after two outstanding weeks in the NEAFL where he averaged 34 touches and 17 marks a game
Young midfielder Jack Steele could also come 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.
The GIANTS could also have their first debutant, or debutants, of the season with second-year small forward Jarrod Pickett and last year’s number seven draft pick Jacob Hopper both named in the 25-man squad.
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.
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.
The final side will be named on gwsgiants.com.au at 5pm Friday.
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 (from): Jack Steele, Jarrod Pickett, Nick Haynes, Lachie Whitfield, Adam Tomlinson, Callan Ward, Jacob Hopper
