CANBERRA has made three changes to its line-up ahead of Saturday afternoon's Round 20 clash with Sydney University in Blacktown.
Midfielder Reed Stevens is set to make a remarkable return to football having recovered from a serious shoulder injury.
Initially scheduled to return in 2019, the 19-year-old suffered a torn anterosuperior labrum in his right shoulder during pre-season and was subsequently ruled out for 2018.
Having undergone surgery in early April the former Queanbeyan Tiger is crediting Canberra's medical staff for his unexpected return.
"Without Casey, Liam and the other medical staff I wouldn't be in a position to return this weekend, I can't thank them enough for the work they've done with me this season,"said Stevens.
"I'm not great with words so hopefully I'll let my football do the talking this weekend."
Stevens will join Nick Collins and Lucas Meline as the side’s inclusions, with Connor Owen-Auburn ruled out through injury, Luke McKay and Sam Tonkes have been omitted.
NEAFL Round 20 Saturday, August 18, 2018 Sydney University (5th) v Canberra Demons (3rd) at BISP, 12pm *This match will be streamed live on NEAFL TV (youtube.com/northeastafl)
SYDNEY UNI B: 16. Ryan Hebron 12. Aaron Day 24. Tim Barton
HB: 21. Lewis Stevenson 25. Nathan Cooper 26. William Sierakowski
C: 42. Jake Bartholomaeus 15. Tom Young 1. Jack Hiscox
HF: 4. Austin Lucy 31. Ned Reinhard 33. Tristan Davies
F: 8. Damien Bonney 9. Jacob Derickx 11. Nick Foster
Foll: 22. Sam Tagliabue 6. Sam Fong 23. Callum McFadden*
Inter: 17. Jackson Potter 3. Craig Bird 34. Samuel Barkley 38. Lachlan Hayres 41. Adam Gulden
Emer: 27. Matthew Wilson 14. Monty Krochmal 32. Joshua Burke
In: 33. Tristan Davies 6. Sam Fong
Out: 27. Matthew Wilson (omitted) 37. Jonathon Marsh (omitted)
*Denotes 23rd player
CANBERRA
B: 35. Tom Highmore 2. Alex Paech 18. Angus Baker
HB: 25. Sam Martyn 15. Jack Baker 6. Kade Klemke
C: 36. Lucas Meline 24. Alex Smout 9. Jack Powell
HF: 10. Reed Stevens 4. Aaron Bruce 16. Mitch Hardie
F: 17. Jarrod Osborne* 30. Tom Faul 23. Ben Fulford
Foll: 42. Cameron Milne 8. Mitch Maguire 1. Isaac Taylor
Inter: 19. Nathan Richards 21. Matt Vardanega 5. Nick Collins 29. Ben Halse 45. Harrison Carr
Emer: 7. Connor Owen-Auburn 12. Luke McKay 14. Donald Roberts
In: 10. Reed Stevens 36. Lucas Meline 5. Nick Collins
Out: 12. Luke McKay (omitted) Connor Owen-Auburn (injured) 26. Sam Tonkes (omitted)
*Denotes 23rd player