Match Preview: GIANTS vs. SUNS
By Isabelle O’Brien and Bronte Kerr
Where and When: Blacktown International Sports Park, Saturday, March 7, 4.10pm
TV: Live on Fox Footy from 7 pm AEDT
Following an impressive hard fought win over Geelong in Townsville last weekend, the SUNS will face the GIANTS with all guns blazing.
Despite fielding a second string side the Suns persevered in extreme heat to take an eight point victory over Geelong on Sunday afternoon.
The victorious SUNS will come off a well-deserved six day break to take on fresh legged GIANTS who are yet to play in the NAB challenge.
While the SUNS may have momentum on their side, the GIANTS will take to the field determined to make an impression ahead of the 2015 season.
SUNS: THE RODNEY EADE ERA
The SUNS triumph over Geelong on Sunday marked the beginning of a new era for the club, following the appointment of Rodney Eade as head coach.
Despite the off-field distraction of the Karmichael Hunt saga, the SUNS are looking to get back to the basics of the game.
Ruckman Tom Nicholls and entertainment machine Jack Martin are key inclusions in the 29 man squad set to take on the GIANTS in Blacktown.
Riddled with injuries throughout his debut season, Martin is determined to make more of a mark for the Suns in 2015.
He already has attracted significant attention after various key figures sang high praise for the 19 year old during the AFL Indigenous All Stars camp.
Martin is likely to be joined by defender Sean Lemmens, who is looking to make his first appearance after being rested following the All Stars camp in Perth.
Mature aged rookies Adam Saad and Josh Glenn have been named in the squad.
While Saad took to the field last weekend, Glenn is itching to make an impact following a strong pre- season.
Nick Malceski will return to Sydney for the game donning the Suns guernsey after departing the Sydney Swans at the end of the 2014 season.
The SUNS will go withotu key senior players Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow and last week’s captain Michael Rischetelli, in addition to injured defender Henry Schade.
Jack Martin celebrates during the Suns 2014 match against the Eagles, Image: AFL Media
SUNS SQUAD
2. Zac Smith 4. Jack Martin 6. Alex Sexton 7. Nick Malceski 11. Harley Bennell 13. Andrew Boston 14. Mitch Hallahan 15. Daniel Gorringe 18. Trent McKenzie 19. Tom Lynch 21. Jack Leslie 22. Tom Nicholls 24. David Swallow 25. Danny Stanley 26. Matthew Shaw 28. Kade Kolodjashnij 31. Keegan Brooksby 32. Brandon Matera 34. Josh Glenn 36. Greg Broughton 37. Jesse Lonergan 39. Louis Herbert 40. Sean Lemmens 41. Jarrod Garlett 42. Adam Saad 43. Jarred Ellis 44. Touk Miller 46. Josh Hall 48. Seb Tape
GIANTS: MADE OF STEELE
The GIANTS will field a relatively strong line up with just one draftee named in the squad to take on the SUNS.
PM Capital GIANTS Academy graduate Jack Steele is set to make his debut after making a significant impression throughout the pre- season and in last week’s intra- club match.
Coach Leon Cameron sung high praise for 2014 Draftee Steele.
“Jack Steele has had a fantastic pre- season after joining us from the PM CAPITAL GIANTS Academy and deserves his spot in the squad to take on the Suns too,” Cameron said.
Young guns Jeremy Cameron, Dylan Shiel, Will Hoskin-Elliot and Stephen Coniglio have been named in the 29 man squad.
Key senior players Shane Mumford, Heath Shaw and Rhys Palmer have been left out of the first match, with their workloads being reduced in preparation for the premiership season.
New recruit Jack Steele set to make his debut against the SUNS. Image: AFL Media.
GIANTS SQUAD
1. Phil Davis 2. Curtly Hampton 3. Stephen Coniglio 4. Toby Greene 5. Dylan Shiel
6. Lachie Whitfield 8. Callan Ward 9. Jed Lamb 14. Tomas Bugg 15. Tim Golds
16. Nathan Wilson 18. Jeremy Cameron 19. Nick Haynes 20. Adam Tomlinson
21. Matt Buntine 22. Josh Kelly 24. Joel Patfull 25. Cam McCarthy 27. Andrew Phillips
29. Zac Williams 31. Jacob Townsend 32. Ryan Griffen 33. Will Hoskin-Elliott 35. Aidan Corr 37. Rory Lobb 38. Jack Steele 40. Adam Kennedy 43. Jake Barrett 44. Tom Downie
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS
Judging by the last five encounters, GIANTS have a tough task ahead of them if they wish to overcome the SUNS in their season opener. The SUNS will enter as favourites at 1.70 while the GIANTS are at 2.15.
Round 6, 2014, SUNS 20.14 (134) d GIANTS 13. 16(94)
Round 23, 2013, SUNS 22.14(146) d GIANTS 9.9 (63)
Round 5, 2013, SUNS 21.22(148) d GIANTS 16.8(104)
Round 20, 2012, SUNS 16.13 (109) d GIANTS 12.7 (79)
Round 7, 2012, GIANTS 13.16 (94) d SUNS 9.13 (67)
Main Image: AFL Media
