The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have made four changes for this weekend’s Sydney Derby II clash against the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium.
The GIANTS defence has been bolstered with the inclusions of Chad Cornes and Adam Kennedy, while Curtly Hampton and Adam Tomlinson will bring added pace into the forward line.
Jack Hombsch, Sam Darley and Mark Whiley have all been omitted while Taylor Adams is also out following a club imposed suspension.
WATCH MARK WILLIAMS RUN THROUGH THE TEAM:
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said it was the firsttime the GIANTS had faced a team they had already played and he looked forward to seeing the side bounce back strongly following last week’s loss toMelbourne.
“The Swans are up and flying, obviously they have made some big improvements since round one, but I am looking forward to seeing how the boys go this time around. The Swans had a great win last week against the reigning premiers, Geelong, and we will need to ensure we are on our game," said Sheedy
“I’m looking forward to seeing plenty of GIANTS fans out there on Saturday night, where we will be looking to square the ledger in the Sydney derby, after the Swans took out the first game back in Round One.
“We are excited to welcome back Chad Cornes, who is refreshed and ready to go after his week off, and his experience having played in those big showdowns with Port Adelaide, will be invaluable.
“Having Adam Kennedy come back in will also help shore up the defence, and Curtly Hampton and Adam Tomlinson both bring some added spark into the side having performed strongly in the NEAFL competition in recent weeks,” said Sheedy.
In more good news for the GIANTS, Israel Folau will return to the UWS GIANTS reserves side after missing the last four rounds through injury. He will play in the curtain raiser to the main game at ANZ Stadium.
The GIANTS and the Swans will compete for the White Ribbon Trophy, with the Sydney Swans being the current holders of the trophy following their win in Round One earlier this year.
White Ribbon works to prevent the most common and pervasive form of male violence – that towards women. White Ribbon believes the prevention of violence against women will change society for the better.
White Ribbon works to change the attitudes and behaviors that lead to men’s violence against women.
The player to be judged as best on ground in the Sydney Derby will receive the Brett Kirk Medal. Sydney Swans’ midfielder, Josh Kennedy was the recipient when the two sides met in Round One this year.
To celebrate AFL Multicultural Round GIANTS Indigenous player Curtly Hampton will participate in the coin toss before the game.
Match Details:
Sydney Swans vs. GWS GIANTS, Saturday June 30, 7:40pm, ANZ Stadium
Sydney Swans Reserves v UWS GIANTS, Saturday June 30, 4:00pm, ANZ Stadium
