FORMER decathlete Jake Stein's transition to AFL ranks will be complete on Sunday when he makes his debut for Greater Western Sydney against North Melbourne.
Meanwhile, match-winning Giants forward Toby Greene is a confirmed starter for the tricky trip to Hobart, and defender Matt Buntine also comes into the line-up.
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Greene was a late withdrawal from last round's defeat to the Crows in Adelaide due to a knee problem.
Running backman Isaac Cumming (head), gun intercept defender Nick Haynes (ankle) and forward Daniel Lloyd (omitted) make way for the third-placed Giants (8-4).
Stein's story is remarkable, with the 25-year-old turning to football shortly after competing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he was disqualified from the decathlon after false starting twice in the 100m.
He was scouted by the Giants' inaugural high performance manager John Quinn and the 195cm prospect joined the club as a category B rookie at the end of 2016.
"He's a great story. He was found in athletics, he's from Penrith in Western Sydney. His development has been phenomenal," coach Leon Cameron said.
"Jake's got a really big motor, he's got elite speed and he's really worked on the nuances of the game to learn about body positioning and spoiling,
"We're rapt and there was a huge roar when we told the group (he's playing).
"He will take up the key back position against some really quality key forwards in the Kangaroos.
"We're really confident Jake is going to come out and play his role."
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North Melbourne has made the solitary change with Taylor Garner replacing star midfielder Shaun Higgins, who will miss 5-6 weeks with an AC injury.
The Roos (5-7) were beaten for the first time in six starts at Blundstone Arena by Sydney a month ago, but have breathed fresh life into their season after three consecutive wins – two under interim coach Rhyce Shaw.
Friday, June 14
Essendon v Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium, 7.50pm AEST
ESSENDON
In: D.Shiel, O.Fantasia, J.Stringer
Out: B.McNiece, A.Francis, M.Baguley
HAWTHORN
In: D.Moore, B.McEvoy, K.Brand
Out: M.Lewis, M.Pittonet, C.Wingard (hamstring)
Saturday, June 15
Gold Coast v St Kilda at Riverway Stadium (Townsville), 1.45pm AEST
GOLD COAST
In: S.Day, C.Ah Chee, C.Ellis, G.Horlin-Smith
Out: C.Burgess, J.Corbett, T.Miller (thigh), J.Murdoch (foot)
New: Corey Ellis (Richmond)
ST KILDA
In: N.Hind, B.White, J.Marsh, D.McKenzie, B.Acres, H.Clark, D.Armitage
Out: J.Geary (leg), J.Steele (dislocated kneecap), E.Phillips (hamstring), B.Long, R.Young, N.Coffield, D.Joyce
New: Nick Hind (Essendon VFL)
Fremantle v Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium, 2.35pm AWST
FREMANTLE
In: S.Hill, S.Darcy, G.Logue
Out: A.Cerra (illness), R.Lobb (foot), A.Pearce (fractured ankle)
PORT ADELAIDE
In: H.Hartlett
Out: M.Broadbent (mental health)
Carlton v Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, 7.25pm AEST
CARLTON
In: M.Murphy
Out: J.Silvagni
WESTERN BULLDOGS
In: T.Dickson, H.Crozier
Out: B.Gowers (ankle), La.Young
Sunday, June 16
North Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney at Blundstone Arena (Hobart), 3.20pm AEST
NORTH MELBOURNE
In: T.Garner
Out: S.Higgins (AC joint)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
In: J.Stein, T.Greene, M.Buntine
Out: I.Cumming (head), N.Haynes (ankle), D.Lloyd
New: Jake Stein (Penrith)
