Delahunty forces his way into GGGM's preliminary final line-up

Delahunty has played the last few games in the reserves after completing his Greater Western Sydney Giants commitments, and originally joined the Lions as a training opportunity.

But a shoulder injury to Tom Sase playing in the Carroll Cup helped open the door for Delahunty to be named on the bench for Saturday's showdown with Leeton-Whitton at Robertson Oval.

Forward Riley Corbett will also return from a broken foot sustained in round two in place of Nick Murray, who broke his collarbone in last week's win over Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes, while defender Curtis Steele is back after a week's absence.

Macri said Delahunty's form and attitude in the reserves warranted being rewarded with a seniors debut for the club.

"He's mobile and has good size, he's one we couldn't ignore anymore and a spot opened up," Macri said.

"We wanted to see how he went and he's done everything right at training and has played strong footy for the past month. It was just a matter of whether we could fit him in.

"The reserve grade coaches have always had positive feedback with how he's presented himself, and his attitude."

Delahunty will give the Lions more potency in the midfield against Leeton-Whitton prime movers Jeromy Lucas and Lucas Meline, and will also be a dangerous option up forward.

Macri said he was simply hoping for key forward Corbett to provide a target after six weeks off football.

"He's at that stage where it (foot) won't get any better this season. He'll need some time and work over coming months to get it back to 100 per cent," Macri said.

"Ankles are funny and can linger for quite a while, but you can get them to a point where you can play.

"He'll be a bit limited fitness and mobility-wise, but we just want a contest from him and to provide us an option."

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