The GIANTS’ AFLW side will put boot to ball for the first time this year in a practice match against the Adelaide Crows in Adelaide this Sunday.
A squad of 27 has been named, including uncapped Canberra draftees Tarni Evans and Emily Pease.
Katherine Smith and Britt Tully – both recovering from knee injuries – will be rested for the official practice match as they continue their rehabilitation in a bid to be ready for round one.
The GIANTS have spent the past two weeks based in Albury before relocating to Adelaide on Friday.
Defender Lou Stephenson remained in Sydney for work commitments and is unavailable for the match, as is ruck Jess Allan. Allan had to return to Canberra for Australian Defence Force requirements but is able to re-join the group soon and will be available for round one.
Pip Peschke, from the Inner West Magpies in AFL Sydney, joined the squad during the Albury relocation as an interim replacement player for Stephenson and will play in the number 12 jumper on Sunday.
Peschke is a midfielder/forward who loves the contest on the inside. She’s a pressure player who can be dangerous playing as a small forward.
All AFLW practice matches this weekend will be closed to the public to protect players, staff and the community.
The team will remain in Adelaide following their practice match on Sunday to ensure they meet the current border restrictions in place to enter Western Australia for their round one match against the Dockers on January 31.
Adelaide Crows v GWS GIANTS
Practice Match – Sunday, January 17
Norwood Oval, Adelaide, South Australia
Squad:
1 Emily Goodsir
2 Alicia Eva
3 Alyce Parker
5 Jodie Hicks
6 Rebecca Beeson
7 Jessica Dal Pos
8 Nicola Barr
9 Tanya Hetherington
11 Aimee Schmidt
12 Pip Peschke
13 Cora Staunton
14 Annalyse Lister
15 Bríd Stack
16 Taylah Davies
17 Georgia Garnett
18 Tarni Evans
19 Rebecca Privitelli
20 Lisa Steane
21 Pepa Randall
22 Elle Bennetts
23 Erin McKinnon
24 Haneen Zrieka
25 Erin Todd
30 Sarah Halvorson
32 Tait Mackrill
33 Emily Pease
37 Libby Graham
