The GIANTS have made three big changes for Saturday night’s blockbuster clash against Geelong at Spotless Stadium.
Midfielder Josh Kelly returns to the GIANTS line up after missing last week’s win over Brisbane with a minor hip complaint.
He’ll be joined in the side by forwards Devon Smith and Rory Lobb who both return from injury.
“Devon’s had a really good rehab, he’s been six weeks out and we feel like he’s ready to step up to AFL footy straight away,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“Rory played last week in the NEAFL and Josh obviously missed the one game.
“We feel as though those guys can come in and make an impact for us.”
Smith is back in the team for the first time since round eight after a training injury sidelined him for six weeks.
A member of the GIANTS’ leadership group, Smith averaged more than 20 touches and a goal a game across the first eight matches of the season.
Second ruck and forward Rory Lobb also returns after looking on for five weeks with a groin injury.
Lobb has become a key part of the GIANTS’ structure since a breakout season in 2016 when he played 24 of his 44 career games.
As revealed earlier in the week, rising star Tim Taranto is out of the side after having ankle surgery on Monday while defender Harry Himmelberg will miss the next 3-4 games with a broken finger.
Forward Daniel Lloyd has been omitted after being a late inclusion for Kelly in round 14.
It’s first v third on the AFL ladder at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night but Cameron knows the tough task that faces his side.
“We had some good clashes with them last year, it was probably a goal or two the difference both times,” Cameron said.
“They’re third, we’re sitting on top, there’s a reason why the two teams are up there. It’s going to be a great clash.
“Saturday night footy is great. It’ll be great to get a big crowd because I think they’re going to be witnessing a really, really good game that no doubt has some bearing on the end of the year.”
The GIANTS take on Geelong in a blockbuster Saturday night clash at Spotless Stadium, click here to get your tickets now.
ROUND 15
GIANTS v Geelong
Saturday July 1 at 7.25pm
Spotless Stadium
*Updated Team with Zac Williams a late withdrawl on Friday
FB: Nick Haynes, Adam Tomlinson, Aidan Corr
HB: Nathan Wilson, Phil Davis, Lachie Whitfield
C: Heath Shaw, Matt Kennedy, Tom Scully
HF: Toby Greene, Jonny Patton, Josh Kelly
FF: Steve Johnson, Jeremy Cameron, Sam Reid
RR: Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel
Interchange: Matt de Boer, Jeremy Finlayson, Rory Lobb, Devon Smith
In: Josh Kelly, Devon Smith, Rory Lobb, Jeremy Finlayson (debut)
Out: Tim Taranto (ankle), Harry Himmelberg (finger), Daniel Lloyd (omitted), Zac Williams (hamstring)
Emergencies: Harry Perryman, Daniel Lloyd, Tendai Mzungu
