GWS Giants coach Leon Cameron has given an early indication on key selection points for his side’s clash with Melbourne this weekend.
Cameron said star defender Nick Haynes is "looking more positive than negative to play", while also stating Lachie Whitfield’s knee injury is ”fine” to go for this weekend.
Meanwhile, Matt Flynn is set to come in for the Giants as one of two dedicated rucks.
"So Lachie yeah he's fine. He trained today,” Cameron said.
"He clearly was a bit sore in that knee that sort of buckled a little bit in one of the tackles.
"He pulled up well ... he’s a bit banged up. He trained today and got through. He'll be fine.
"And Haynesy, we will make an assessment today," Cameron continued.
"He did train. We'll just work through and say, 'OK are we happy with his progress? Does he need another week?' He's such a big player so we've got to make sure he's right.
"It's looking more positive than negative that he'll play"
Leon Cameron on @GWSGIANTS' R5 selection...
- Flynn will come in for Preuss (will decide this arvo whether Keeffe is 2nd ruck or Briggs comes in too)
- Whitfield good to go despite knee scare v Freo
- Haynes to be tested this arvo
- Finn Callaghan "will be discussed" @FOXFOOTY— Ben Waterworth (@bjwaterworth) April 13, 2022
Matt Flynn, who lined up for GWS in Rounds 1 and 2, will play as the leading ruckman in the wake of Braydon Preuss’ suspension.
"He (Preuss) addressed the group. He is disappointed he let the team down. It'll cost us this weekend,” Cameron continued.
"But equally then you look at the opportunity for Matty Flynn, who will come in.
"We’ll discuss later today whether (Kieren) Briggs is partnered with him or Lachie Keefe.
"It’ll be one or the other.”
Playing two rucks was labelled an obvious and judicious move by Cameron, whose side will face a formidable ruck duo in Max Gawn and Luke Jackson at the Demons.
Matching the Demons at the contest was identified by Cameron as the critical factor to improving his side’s 1-3 start to the year.
"They’re (Melbourne) very well measured, well rounded. Everyone plays their role,” Cameron continued.
"We like to think we're similar to them in terms of contested ball and stoppages. If we can even that right then it's going lead to a really good contest on Saturday night.
"If you go down in that area against Melbourne and they get forward they’ll quickly get a hold of you.”
