The Gold Coast SUNS backline is set for a major boost this week, with talls Rory Thompson and Sam Day as well as Trent McKenzie included to face Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.

Thompson has not played seniors since the SUNS’ round three win over Carlton but restores structure to a defensive setup that has been under siege over recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Day has missed the last two games with a hip injury and has been named in a forward pocket with coach Rodney Eade still undecided as where to play the versatile swingman.

“I think it shows that he can probably play at both ends during the game, depending on the opposition,” Eade told United Coaches Chat.

“If they have three talls he’ll be able to give Steven (May) and Rory a break at times and he can also go forward to support Tom (Lynch). Having Tom, him and Peter (Wright) in the same forward line at stages during the game will be a plus.”

McKenziehas missed the last month with an ankle injury but comes into the side after a positive performance in the reserves last weekend, while defender Sean Lemmens and wingman Matt Shaw have been included on an extended interchange bench.

As reported earlier on goldcoastfc.com.au, Aaron Hall has been omitted and will play in the NEAFL this weekend while Callum Ah Chee misses with a calf injury suffered at training on Thursday morning.

“It’s going to be a big game, obviously Richmond are on the rebound and openly state they want to play in finals, so to play at the MCG will certainly be a great test,” Eade said.

The 25-man squad will be cut to a final 22 on Friday at 5pm.

Round 12 AFL Premiership Team

B: T. McKenzie, S. May, K. Kolodjashnij
HB: J. Harbrow, R. Thompson, A. Sexton
C: N. Malceski, M. Rischitelli, M. Rosa
HF: B. Matera, T. Lynch, J. Martin
F: S. Day, P. Wright, R. Davis
FOLL: T. Nicholls, G. Ablett, D. Prestia
INT (from): T. Miller, S. Lemmens, M. Shaw, K. Brooksby, M. Willis, J. Lonergan, J. Joyce

IN: T. McKenzie, R. Thompson, S. Day, S. Lemmens, M. Shaw
OUT: A. Hall (omitted), C. Ah Chee (calf)