Leon Cameron has declared recruitment Jarrod Brander ready to shoot in a converted GWS forward line against Sydney in Saturday’s AFL Derby.
While the focus was on the other end of the field, where Swans superstar Lance Fanklin regained his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone, the Giants quietly rebuilt their attack mix.
Star Toby Greene has been suspended, Jesse Hogan is not fit to return after an intermittent build-up and minor forwards Brent Daniels (foot) and Conor Stone (hamstring) are injured while high-goal Jeremy Finlayson has left Port Adelaide. Off-Season.
The absentees opened the door to bring back Jake Riccardi for his place alongside top striker Harry Himmelberg, with Brander playing in his first game for GWS.
The former Giants Academy product was developed by the West Coast in 2017 and has played 22 games and four seasons with the Eagles.
A delisted free agent, Brander was offered a career lifeline by GWS in November and is set to offer the club a mobile 196cm marking option in attack against Sydney at Accor Stadium.
“It’s great,” Giants coach Cameron said.
“He had a full pre-season, he came from another club and you always want to impress when you come from another club.
“He’s done a mountain of work, he’s as ready as he will ever be.
“He builds a really good synergy with Himmelberg, Riccardi and the like.
“He gets his chance on Saturday in a big game for us.”
Brander has just five career goals to his name after his stint on the West Coast but feels ready to rise as a key forward for the Giants.
“That’s what I trained like the whole pre-season,” the 23-year-old said.
“I think I can bring my strengths, my running, my good skills and bring a good competition forward from the ball.
“Hopefully I can contribute to a victory.”
Giants midfielder Tim Taranto has been used with good effect in the past and Bobby Hill can contribute some X-Factor close to goal.
Phil Davis and Sam Taylor are given the task of stomping Franklin, who needs five goals to become the sixth player in league history to reach 1,000.
GWS welcome back Lachie Keeffe from a long-term knee injury, while former St Kilda striker Paddy McCartin will take on a new role in Sydney’s backline.
Former No.1 draft pick McCartin will play his first game since running concussions to end his 2018 career.
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