Competition for spots has never been tighter at the GIANTS and coach Leon Cameron is confident in the final 22 he has named to face St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

“It was really, really hard. It’s fantastic for us but hard for the players because everyone wants to play round one,” Cameron told GIANTS TV.

“There’s probably another six or seven players that easily could be in that starting 22 but the 22 that get a great opportunity to put on a GIANTS jumper for the first time this weekend understand that those spots are tough and they want to go out and play really, really well on Sunday.”

High-profile new recruits and dual best and fairest winners Ryan Griffen and Joel Patfull will line up for the GIANTS for the first time, alongside dynamic forward Cam McCarthy who debuted in the club’s last game at Etihad Stadium in the final round last season.

“Obviously it’s fantastic to have Ryan Griffen and Joel Patfull play their first games in GIANTS colours,” Cameron said.

“They’ve had terrific pre-seasons and their form in the NAB Challenge has been really solid and we look forward to them playing their first game.

“Young Cam McCarthy, who’s played three NAB Challenge games, has been in some really, really good form so he’ll line up as well.”

Defender Tommy Bugg will play his 50th game for the GIANTS on Sunday, which also happens to be his 22nd birthday, after being signed as an 17-year-old access selection back in 2010.

“Buggy is one of those players you like having in your team because he just gets everything out of himself,” Cameron said.

“Whether it be wing, whether it be back, whether it be playing a negating role, he’s one of those players that just loves to play hard and loves to play the full 120 minutes. He’s really competitive.

“It’s fantastic to see him reach that milestone and hopefully we can celebrate with a win on Sunday.”

The GIANTS play the Saints at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, April 5 at 1.10pm. The game will be broadcast live in NSW and the ACT on 7Mate and Fox Sports 3 from 1pm.

GWS GIANTS v St Kilda
Sunday April 5, 1.10pm
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

GWS GIANTS

FB: Heath Shaw, Joel Patfull, Nick Haynes
HB: Phil Davis, Aidan Corr, Lachie Whitfield
C: Tommy Bugg, Callan Ward, Tom Scully
HF: Rhys Palmer, Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene
FF: Devon Smith, Adam Tomlinson, Ryan Griffen
R: Shane Mumford, Stephen Coniglio, Dylan Shiel

Interchange: Curtly Hampton, Adam Treloar, Josh Kelly, Cam McCarthy

Emergencies: Zac Wiliams, Tom Downie, Matt Buntine