GREATER Western Sydney has suffered a double blow ahead of its clash against St Kilda in Canberra, with co-captain Phil Davis and star midfielder Josh Kelly late withdrawals due to injury.
The pair have been replaced by Matt Buntine and first-year midfielder Jackson Hately for the game against the Saints at UNSW Canberra Oval on Saturday.
Davis was initially named in the team after missing last week's Sydney Derby against the Swans with an ankle injury, but the club's doctors decided to pull him out after the club's captain's run on Friday.
FULL MATCH PREVIEW Giants v Saints
Kelly, who signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the Giants through until the end of 2021 during the week, will miss the game with an adductor injury sustained against the Swans.
Like Davis, Kelly was originally named to play but pulled up sore from the club's light training run on Friday and the Giants decided to take a cautious approach.
FULL INJURY LIST Who's ruled out and who's a test?
Buntine earns a reprieve, while Hately returns for his second match of the season after making his debut in round five.
Isaac Cumming will play his first game for the season after being named in the team on Thursday night.
Lachie Keeffe and Nick Shipley have been elevated to be the Giants' emergencies.
Find AFL Exchange on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
