The GWS Giants have made two changes for tonight’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. Ruckman Shane Mumford will miss due to suspension alongside Devon Smith who has a knee injury. Forward pair Toby Greene and Jonathon Patton both return to the side that beat Melbourne last round.

In defence the Giants are led by Co-captain Phil Davis who provides strong leadership and presence to a settled back six. Davis’ well supported by versatile defender Nick Haynes who continues to grow with his ability to read the ball in the air a standout.

Across half back the Giants have a variety of rebounding options most notably Heath Shaw and Zac Williams who both enjoy taking the game on where possible. The duo are capable of setting up many of their scoring chains and cannot be afforded time and space with the ball.

The Giants midfield is very balanced with their work around stoppages a strength led by the likes of Dylan Shiel and Callan Ward. Shiel is equally as dangerous bursting way from stoppages as he is winning contested ball for outside runners. Ward is crucial with his contested work and will be joined by Stephen Coniglio who not only accumulates but can lock down the opposition’s best mids.

Wingmen Josh Kelly and Tom Scully are barometers for the side with their endurance and outside run a point of difference. The form of Kelly in 2017 has been vital in the absence of other key players due to injury.

Rory Lobb appears likely to play more in the ruck with the absence of Mumford potentially forcing a different forward setup with Lobb higher up the ground.

In the forward line the inclusion of Patton is important to the structure with his impact in contested marking and overall strength a weapon for the Giants.  

Small forwards Steve Johnson and Greene are always dangerous, particularly if afforded any space inside 50. The pressure of Greene is often a reason for causing forward-half turnovers which is key in the modern game.

Former tiger Brett Deledio is a wildcard for the Giants and may split his time between high half forward with stints as a target deep inside 50.

Below is how the Giants are named to line up tonight against the Dogs:

IN: Toby Greene, Jonathon Patton
OUT: Shane Mumford (suspension), Devon Smith (knee)