Two individuals make their comeback for the Carlton match.
The GIANTS have undergone two mandatory alterations ahead of their Saturday twilight showdown with Carlton at Marvel Stadium.
Seasoned midfielder Callan Ward is set to make his return for the GIANTS, marking his 297th AFL appearance, while up-and-coming defender Leek Aleer earns his fifth career game.
Ward’s reintroduction follows a stellar performance in his inaugural VFL match for the club, where he managed 33 disposals, 12 clearances, and three tackles. He resurfaced via the VFL after sustaining a shoulder injury during the initial round victory against Collingwood.
Replacing vice-captain Stephen Coniglio, who is sidelined for the next two weeks due to a minor knee ailment, former co-captain Ward steps back into the lineup.
Meanwhile, emerging defender Leek Aleer steps up to fill the void left by All Australian defender Sam Taylor, who is sidelined due to concussion, marking his return to AFL action after a hiatus of 609 days.
Despite enduring numerous setbacks last season due to persistent injuries, Aleer, a mature-age draftee, has showcased a promising pre-season and demonstrated his abilities with 14 disposals and six marks in the recent VFL victory.
Hailing from South Australia with Sudanese heritage and born in Kenya, Aleer made his debut in round 20, 2022, and featured in four consecutive games before disruptions ensued last season.
The upcoming match will be broadcast live nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo from 4:30pm, with free-to-air coverage on 7mate from 4:30pm in NSW and the ACT.
Fans are encouraged to gather at the Royal Sheaf Hotel in Burwood on Saturday to support the GIANTS in their away fixture against the Blues, where GIANTS ambassador Alex Williams and his companion Brandon McClelland will be present alongside hosts of the new podcast, ‘They Might Become GIANTS’.
