GIANTS head coach Kevin Sheedy announced today that #4 Israel Folau is likely to make his AFL debut against Port Adelaide this weekend. Folau will take part in the club’s final NAB Challenge match at Williston Oval at 4pm on Saturday.
Folau has been recovering from an ankle injury that resulted in him undergoing surgery late last year and needed to prove his fitness at the Club’s main training session on Wednesday in order to get the green light to play.
Sheedy said that Folau was likely to play at both ends of the ground to increase his visibility of what is going on over the entire field.
“I’d be disappointed if he didn’t play. He’ll probably come out of the goal square at either end. Full back and full forward.
“You learn the game better that way – I played in the backline mostly in my early stages, I think that by watching a game down there you can see the moves unfolding.
“You can really identify how and when your side should have stopped that ball coming at you and I think he’ll learn that fairly quickly.”
The GIANTS head coach said that Folau’s biggest asset was his natural athleticism and speed.
“He knows how to play sport, he won’t go out wondering, he wont worry about getting hit by a player. Obviously his physique and speed, are the sort of things that we’re trying to get on every other player, we just have to teach him the game.
“He’s been to every coaching meeting and every training session so we’ll see how good his listening skills are,” he said.
Sheedy said that he was impressed with Folau’s development so far and that the club’s aim at the moment was to continue to nurture the recruits knowledge of AFL and expose him to as much game time as possible.
“We’ll see how he goes in terms of game time; I always wait and see. If it’s a half, if it’s three quarters, if it’s a whole game it just depends on how he’s playing. If he’s playing well you leave him on. You just don’t know.
“He’s picked up most of the skills fairly quickly, he’s quite a talented player. He just needs games now.
“Once we get him on the screen then we can adjust his decision-making. He needs to be strong and fast, he needs to meet the ball from 360 degrees and he’s got to distribute the ball when he gets it. I think we will just go along and have a look, that’s the best place to start,” Sheedy said.
To view vision of Thursday's press conference, click here.
To view Izzy’s personal message to GIANTS fans, click here.
Port Adelaide v GSW Giants
Willaston Oval, Willaston
Saturday March 12, 4:00pm
Ticketing Information: All tickets will be general admission
Where to purchase tickets:?
Terry White Chemist?
94 Murray Street, Gawler
SANFL?
Main Administration Building, Gate J?
Turner Drive, West Lakes
GIANT Members:?Members can show their membership cards at any gate to obtain entry.
