The Gold Coast SUNS defensive stocks have been boosted with Meara Girvan named to return from injury for her first game of 2024.

The intercepting defender had been sidelined since the pre-season match simulation against the Brisbane Lions, but has been named by Cameron Joyce to face the Giants in Canberra on Sunday.

Girvan’s inclusion makes it two changes from the side that faced Carlton in Mackay last week with Irishwoman Lauren McConville also coming in for her AFLW debut.

The pair come into the side in place of Katie Lynch (managed) and Ella Smith (omitted).

First bounce is at 5:05pm at Manuka Oval. Catch all the action live on Fox Footy, Kayo and the Seven network (check your local guides)