The return off emerging key forward Max Gruzewski headlines three changes for Saturday’s big VFL clash with Geelong.

Returning to the side after featuring at AFL level last week, Gruzewski will look to continue his stellar VFL season on Saturday following a brilliant campaign to date which has the 20-year-old sitting fifth on the VFL goalkicking table with 33 majors for the season.

Gruzewski will strengthen a VFL side boasting 11 AFL-listed GIANTS for Saturday’s clash with the Cats.

Rangy key defender Jace McQuade – signed from the club’s Albury VFL Hub earlier this year – will also return to the side for his second game of the year after making his VFL debut in round nine against Port Melbourne.

Also added to Saturday’s team is midfielder Mackenzie Allen who will play his first game of the season for the club after featuring in two games last year.

Meanwhile star midfielder Stephen Coniglio will feature at VFL level for a second straight week as he looks to force his way back into the AFL side following 13 weeks on the sidelines with a persistent glute injury.

Coniglio will be looking to back up last week’s strong return game which saw him impress with 23 touches, six clearances, six inside 50s and six tackles.

Hard-running utility Jacob Wehr will also line up against the Cats in the VFL on Saturday in what will be the 27-year-old’s 50th state league game.

Exiting this week’s side is AFL-listed pair Wade Derksen (ankle) and Jack Ough (shoulder), as well as local forward Mitchell Blow (omitted).

Sitting fourth at 9-4 on the season, the GIANTS will look to continue their strong VFL campaign up against the 5-8 Cats at ENGIE Stadium.

The clash will get under way at 12:15pm on Saturday afternoon.

VFL Round 16 

GIANTS v Cats
Saturday, July 12 at 12:15pm 
ENGIE Stadium | Wangal Country

B: Ryan Hebron, Jace McQuade, Harper Montgomery
HB: Billy McGee Galimberti, Harry Oliver, Josh Fahey
C: Sam McMeeken, Toby McMullin, Perry Lewis-Smith
HF: James Lugsdin, Josaia Delana, Phoenix Gothard
FF: Lachlan Keeffe, Hugo Birks, Max Gruzewski
RR: Nick Madden, Jacob Wehr, Stephen Coniglio

Interchange: Louie Montgomery, Alex Swinnerton, Logan Smith, Liam McCarthy, Mackenzie Allen

In: Max Gruzewski,  Jace McQuade, Mackenzie Allen

Out: Jack Ough (shoulder), Wade Derksen (ankle), Mitchell Blow (omitted)