Giants rule Whitfield out of AFL return

GWS have decided against Lachie Whitfield making his AFL return from his collarbone injury against Brisbane.

Lachie Whitfield

GWS will wait another week before Lachie Whitfield (C) makes his AFL injury return for the Giants. (AAP)

Star GWS defender Lachie Whitfield must wait another week for his AFL return.

Whitfield was in their squad for Sunday's home game against Brisbane, but the Giants took him out of their line-up on Friday afternoon.

They made one change, recalling Dawson Simpson to replace ruckman Shane Mumford.

Former Western Bulldogs defender Marcus Adams will make his Brisbane debut and Alex Witherden also returns for the Lions.

They lost Oscar McInerney to concussion and Brandon Starcevich was dropped.

Giants coach Leon Cameron said Whitfield had been close to playing.

"Lachie trained really well in our main session yesterday but we're just going to take a cautious approach with this one," Cameron said.

"We've erred on the conservative side when it comes to selection quite a few times this year and we believe that giving Lachie another week will give him the best chance to finish the season on a really strong note."

The match at Giants Stadium is massive, with GWS fourth and ahead of the fifth-placed Lions on percentage.

"It's a fantastic opportunity and that's how we embrace it," said Lions coach Chris Fagan.

"They've got an exceptional record at that oval this year. I think their average winning margin is 74 points.

"On the surface, that seems like a daunting task but, as a footy team, we've got to face up to these challenges and embrace them and that's what we'll do."


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2 min read
Published 5 July 2019 5:50pm
Source: AAP


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