Despite missing the entire NAB Challenge series, star midfielders Dion Prestia and Gary Ablett will both play against Essendon at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
Prestia has successfully recovered from a torn lateral meniscus that prematurely ended his 2015 season in round eight last year, while Ablett has overcome a foot injury suffered in the pre-season and will lead his side out on Easter Saturday.
The SUNS skipper managed just six games last year but showed flashes of his brilliant best. After missing nine games early in the season, Ablett returned against the Kangaroos in round 14 to register 31 disposals, 11 clearances, seven inside 50s and three goals.
With the little master now at full fitness after a big summer campaign, all eyes will be on ‘Gaz’ to see what he can produce against the Bombers.
Sam Day will start at full forward, getting the nod from the coaching staff after an intense battle for the position with 19-year-old Peter Wright over the pre-season.
Kade Kolodjashnij and Jesse Lonergan have both recovered from minor injuries suffered in the NAB Challenge to take their place in Rodney Eade’s side.
Matt Rosa and Ryan Davis will make their Gold Coast SUNS debuts after arriving at the club during the off-season. The pair played together at West Coast in the late 2000’s and will be looking to make an impact when they pull on the red and gold guernsey for the first time.
Veteran Michael Rischitelli plays game number 200 against the Bombers.
Round 1 AFL Premiership Team
B: A. Saad, R. Thompson, C. Cameron
HB: N. Malceski, S. May, K. Kolodjashnij
C: M. Rosa, M. Rischitelli, J. Harbrow
HF: A. Hall, T. Lynch, J. Martin
F: A. Sexton, S. Day, R. Davis
FOLL: T. Nicholls, D. Prestia, G. Ablett
INT: T. Miller, T. McKenzie, S. Lemmens, J. Lonergan
EMG: C. Ah Chee, M. Hallahan, P. Wright
New: Davis, Rosa
Milestones: Rischitelli 200 games
