Leon Cameron has declared recruit Jarrod Brander ready to fire in a remodelled GWS forward line against Sydney in Saturday’s AFL derby.
While the focus has been on the other end of the ground, where Swans superstar Lance Fanklin will resume his pursuit of the 1000-goal milestone, the Giants have been quietly revamping their attacking mix.
Star forward Toby Greene is out suspended, Jesse Hogan isn’t fit to return after an interrupted build-up and small forwards Brent Daniels (foot) and Conor Stone (hamstring) are injured, while tall target Jeremy Finlayson left for Port Adelaide in the off-season.
The absentees have opened the door for Jake Riccardi to reclaim his spot alongside spearhead Harry Himmelberg, with Brander set to feature in his first game for GWS.
The former Giants Academy product was drafted by West Coast in 2017 and managed 22 games in 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’s had a full pre-season, he’s come 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’ll ever be.
“He’s building up some really good synergy with Himmelberg, Riccardi and the like.
“He gets his opportunity on Saturday in a huge game for us.”
Brander has just five career goals to his name after his stint at West Coast but feels ready to step up as a key forward for the Giants.
“That’s what I’ve been training as all pre-season,” the 23-year-old said.
“I think I can bring my strengths, my running, my good skills and bring a good contest forward of the ball.
“Hopefully I can contribute to a win.”
Giants midfielder Tim Taranto has been used forward to good effect in the past and Bobby Hill can add some X-factor close to goal.
Phil Davis and Sam Taylor will be tasked with blunting Franklin, who needs five goals to become the sixth player in league history to reach 1000.
GWS welcome back Lachie Keeffe from a long-term knee injury, while former St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin will take up a new role in Sydney’s back-line.
Former No.1 draft pick McCartin will play his first game since ongoing concussion issues put his career on hold in 2018.
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