Giants name 36th debutant
Rhys Cooyou will become the 36th GIANTS player to make his AFL debut in 2012 when Greater Western Sydney plays St Kilda at Etihad Stadium this Saturday.
Recruited from East Freemantle, Cooyou was selected by the GIANTS with the number two pick in the 2010 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
The exciting forward impressed with his speed and agility in the 2011 NAB Cup, but was unfortunately struck down with injury through most of the season.
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said it was exciting for Cooyou to make his debut after a long run of injuries.
“Rhys has had a frustrating run with his hamstrings over the last two years. But to his credit he has gone back and done the rehab and the work required to get himself fit. I’m really pleased that we are in a position to give him this opportunity,” he said.
Cooyou is the nephew of former Richmond player Michael Mitchell, who played 81 games for Richmond between 1986 and 1991. Michael will be at the game on Saturday to see Rhys make his debut.
The GIANTS have made a further six changes to the side for this weekend’s clash, with co-captain Callan Ward headlining the list of inclusions. Rhys Palmer, Adam Treloar, Tom Bugg, Adam Tomlinson and Nathan Wilson have all also been recalled to the senior side.
“It’s always great to play in Melbourne and this is another step in the development of our young club to play against a very good side in St Kilda,” Sheedy said.
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