Himmelberg will become the third Riverina product this year to make their AFL debut for Greater Western Sydney (GWS), following in the footsteps of Jacob Hopper and Matt Kennedy.

Himmelberg was named in the Giants team on Thursday night and is one of four inclusions to the GWS squad to take on the struggling Lions at the Gabba.

The timing could not be better as he will get to make his debut in front of his family, with parents Kevin and Marianne and his siblings now calling Brisbane home.

Himmelberg had been knocking on the door of selection in recent weeks with strong form in defence for the Giants’ reserves at NEAFL level.

The Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes junior was a first round selection from the Giants, through their Academy, in last year’s AFL Draft.