South Australian Lisa Whiteley will debut in her home town on Sunday when the GIANTS take on the Adelaide Crows in round six of the NAB AFL Women's competition.
The 26-year-old has been named on the extended interchange for Sunday’s match at Unley Oval in Adelaide, with her teammates the ones to confirm she’ll make her AFLW debut.
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“I was just out shopping with ‘Swanny’ (Emma Swanson) and Tanya (Hetherington) looking at some trackies when they told me they could come in handy in Adelaide,” Whiteley said.
“I was so confused and had no idea what they were talking about until they explained I’m playing on Sunday!
“I’m really excited firstly to play my first game but also to be able to do it back home in front of my family and friends.
“I just can’t wait to take my opportunity out there on Sunday against the Crows.”
Whiteley joins ruck Erin McKinnon, midfielder Jodie Hicks and defender Phoebe Monahan on the extended interchange with the final team to be confirmed at 4pm on Friday.
McKinnon has missed the last two matches with illness and then a dislocated thumb, with fellow Sydneysider Ingrid Nielsen taking the ruck duties over the past fortnight.
Tait Mackrill and Taylah Davies have been omitted.
Part of the South Adelaide side that won the 2018 SANFLW Grand Final, Whiteley is originally from Morphettville and became a GIANT with pick 52 in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft.
A tough and physical footballer with an accurate kick, the former state netball representative stands at 171cm tall and can play as both a key forward and a key defender.
Outside of football, Whiteley works as a teacher.
The final team will be named on gwsgiants.com.au on Friday at 4pm.
The GIANTS head to the city of churches to take on the Adelaide Crows at Unley Oval at 2:05pm AEDT on Sunday.
Round 6 Squad
FB: Tanya Hetherington, Pepa Randall, Amanda Farrugia
HB: Elle Bennetts, Nicola Barr, Ellie Brush
C: Rebecca Beeson
HF: Yvonne Bonner, Christina Bernardi, Alicia Eva
FF: Cora Staunton, Jacinda Barclay, Jessica Dal Pos
RR: Ingrid Nielsen, Courtney Gum, Alyce Parker
Interchange (from): Haneen Zreika, Jodie Hicks, Lisa Whiteley, Phoebe Monahan, Brittany Perry, Erin McKinnon, Louise Stephenson
In: Lisa Whiteley, Erin McKinnon, Jodie Hicks, Phoebe Monahan
Out: Taylah Davies, Tait Mackrill (omitted)
