Rising Star nominee Sam Taylor returns to the GIANTS side for Saturday afternoon’s clash with St Kilda at Spotless Stadium.
Taylor replaces fellow defender Lachlan Keeffe who played his fourth game of the season last weekend in the backline.
“It’s great to welcome Sam back into the side,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“He’s only played six games for us, but his composure and competitiveness has been exceptional, particularly for such a young kid.
“Lachie’s probably a little unlucky to go out – he really played his role last weekend – but it’s great to have another option to add to our back half should we need it.”
Aidan Corr (groin) and Ryan Griffen (hamstring) will spend another week on the sidelines as they manage minor injuries.
“Griff is a bit sore in his hamstring and Aidan’s managing some groin pain,” Cameron said.
“We won’t take any risks with those guys and want to be confident in the 22 we put out there.”
The GIANTS aren’t taking the Saints lightly, with St Kilda finishing strongly in the round five clash as the two teams couldn’t be separated and recorded the season’s first draw.
“We know it was a draw against St Kilda earlier this year and they beat us last year so we’re under no illusions it’s going to be another close game,” Cameron said.
“They play really well against us and have been in some great form lately so it’s a huge challenge for us.”
The GIANTS will return home to Spotless Stadium to take on the Saints on Saturday afternoon, in what will be co-captain Callan Ward’s 150th game for the club.
The GIANTS will also celebrate the diverse make up of Western Sydney by hosting a free Multicultural Festival at the game to welcome new communities to the AFL.
The Festival begins from 1pm outside the Spotless Stadium gates, click here for more.
GIANTS v St Kilda
Saturday, July 28 at 4:35pm
Spotless Stadium
FB: Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Matt Buntine
HB: Brett Deledio, Adam Tomlinson, Nick Haynes
C: Lachie Whitfield, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio
HF: Sam Reid, Harry Himmelberg, Jacob Hopper
FF: Toby Greene, Rory Lobb, Tim Taranto
RR: Dawson Simpson, Josh Kelly, Callan Ward
Interchange: Zac Langdon, Brent Daniels, Adam Kennedy, Sam Taylor
In: Sam Taylor
Out: Lachlan Keeffe
Emergencies: Aiden Bonar, Isaac Cumming, Lachlan Keeffe, Daniel Lloyd
