Giants decide against Coniglio AFL return

As Giants star Stephen Coniglio comes back through the NEAFL, teammate Will Setterfield and Carlton's Harry McKay will make their AFL debuts.

Western Bulldogs player Travis Cloke

It looks like Travis Cloke will have to wait another week to make his AFL return. (AAP)

GWS have decided against an AFL return for Stephen Coniglio, giving him at least a week in their reserves.

The star onballer was named on Friday in the squad for Sunday's big MCG match against Richmond.

But, instead, he will join Brett Deledio in the Giants' NEAFL side for a Saturday match against Sydney University.

Coniglio slotted straight back into the senior team earlier this year after recovering from an ankle injury and he only lasted two games.

The same ankle suffered more-severe damage and he needed surgery.

Coniglio said this time, he was very close to a senior recall.

"After the extended time I had off, I was in a head space this week of purely wanting to get back and play football," he told the AFL website.

"It was a coaching decision for me to go through the NEAFL.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back on the park and I've given myself the best preparation.

"Whether it's one week or two weeks in the NEAFL, I'm thankful to be out there."

This is also Deledio's first game of the season, with the former Richmond star finally recovering from persistent calf-muscle problems.

Will Setterfield will make his debut for the Giants who have left out Matt de Boer, while the Tigers are unchanged.

Harry McKay will make his long-awaited debut for Carlton in Sunday's match against Brisbane at the 'Gabba.

The No.10 pick in the 2015 draft has come close several times this season to a promotion.

He was sidelined for three months last year with a back stress fracture.

The forward will be Carlton's seventh debutant this season.

Harrison Macreadie, Dale Thomas, David Cuningham and Tom Williamson will return for the Blues, who have dropped Blaine Boakhorst and Liam Sumner and have lost Dylan Buckley (hamstring), Alex Silvagni (knee) and Ciaran Byrne (groin).

The Lions have brought in Darcy Gardiner and Jake Barrett for Nick Robertson (suspended) and Tom Cutler.

Collingwood and West Coast have made two changes apiece for Sunday's Etihad Stadium clash.

Levi Greenwood and Rupert Wills come into the Magpies' line-up for captain Scott Pendlebury (finger) and Matthew Scharenberg.

The Eagles left out Sam Mitchell and dropped Chris Masten, with Elliot Yeo and Thomas Cole taking their spots.


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Source: AAP



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