Canberra ball-magnet Jack Steele will make his return to the GWS Giants' line-up on Saturday as the AFL's youngest franchise aims to record its first win over Collingwood Magpies.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Belconnen junior showed he could win plenty of his own ball earlier in the year but since the side's tough win against Fremantle in round seven, his output has dipped dramatically.
"I sort of got pushed forward and lost a bit of form," he said. "I just couldn't get involved in the game and have as much of an influence on the game as I would playing in the midfield."
Steele has spent the past three rounds dominating for the reserves in the NEAFL and he has earned his position back in the Giants' star-studded midfield.
He will slot onto the wing, and with the form of fellow onballers Dylan Shiel, Callan Ward, Stephen Coniglio, and Tom Scully, Steele has an opportunity to avoid the spotlight and have free range to have an impact the game.
"I'll be able to do my own thing, really," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to just getting the ball and enjoying footy."
And with Shane Mumford monstering his opposition ruckmen, Greater Western Sydney continues to be the best clearance team this year, averaging 40.4 a game. Collingwood is ranked last in the competition with only 32.4.
The Giants look ominous coming off the bye and playing at Spotless Stadium where they have won all their five games this year by an average of 59 points, and which have included premiership fancies the Western Bulldogs, Sydney Swans, and a 75-point thrashing of top-of-table premiers Hawthorn.
"It has become a bit of fortress this year, but even last year we won a fair chunk of our games there," said Steele. "There's not too many fans, but when we do have fans there it gets us over the line and they get behind us as much as they can.
"We're undefeated in Canberra as well this year so if we can go undefeated at home and then also in Canberra, I think that would be a pretty good result for the year."
The Canberra-raised Steele will hope to not only cement his spot in a side in contention for a premiership, but to get another chance to play at Manuka Oval against Richmond later this month.
"It's good to get home, see my friends and family. It's a great day for everyone."
