Emerging forward Peter Wright is one of nine SUNS in line to play their first pre-season game of 2017 when Gold Coast take on Essendon at Harrup Park on Sunday.
Wright missed last week’s game with a minor finger issue but has had an outstanding pre-season and will take his place in the SUNS forward 50 this weekend. The Victorian is set to be the focal point in attack with Sam Day (hip) and Tom Lynch not travelling to Mackay.
Jack Martin is another exciting inclusion for the Gold Coast, with the talented West Australian to make the trip north after being a late withdrawal against Brisbane with back tightness.
Midfielders Alex Sexton, Mitch Hallahan and Matt Shaw all come into the 29-man squad, as does Tasmanian Mackenzie Willis and rookies Keegan Brooksby, Ryan Davis and Darcy Macpherson.
Ruckman Jarrod Witts (hand) won’t play against the Bombers with Matt Rosa, Aaron Hall and Jack Bowes the others to be rested from week one of the JLT Series.
Gold Coast SUNS Squad
JLT RD2 v Essendon
3.40pm, Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay
1 Pearce Hanley
2 Jarrad Grant
4 Jack Martin
6 Alex Sexton
7 Jesse Lonergan
8 Brayden Fiorini
10 Kade Kolodjashnij
11 Touk Miller
13 Callum AhChee
14 Mitch Hallahan
15 Dan Currie
16 Rory Thompson
17 Steven May ©
20 Michael Barlow
21 Jack Leslie
23 Sean Lemmens
24 David Swallow
26 Matthew Shaw
27 Ben Ainsworth
30 Peter Wright
31 Keegan Brooksby
32 Brandon Matera
34 Mackenzie Willis
36 Josh Schoenfeld
38 Jesse Joyce
39 Ryan Davis
41 Will Brodie
42 Adam Saad
44 Darcy Macpherson
