Gold Coast’s spine looks set for its round one clash against Brisbane next Saturday, but it’s who surrounds them that remains the question mark with coach Rodney Eade looking to select his best 22 to face the Lions.
Steven May and Rory Thompson are locks as key defenders, while Tom Lynch and Peter Wright will own the key positions at the other end.
Jarrod Witts should start as the team’s ruckman after an impressive performance in JLT3, while there are a number of other players that should be considered certainties.
Pearce Hanley, Jack Martin, Alex Sexton, Gary Ablett, Kade Kolodjashnij, Touk Miller, Michael Barlow, David Swallow and Aaron Hall should all be a part of Eade’s round one side, leaving potentially eight spots up for grabs.
Who fills the team’s back six?
With May, Thompson and Kolodjashnij certain starters and the ability of Hanley to break the lines off half back, the SUNS match committee will need to decide who joins them in the team’s defensive unit.
Gold Coast product Jesse Joyce did his chances of selection no harm with a composed showing against the Western Bulldogs in JLT3, while Sean Lemmens is an attractive proposition given his hardness at the footy and his ability to lock down as a small defender.
Youngsters Brayden Fiorini and Jack Bowes both spent time as rebounding half backs in the JLT Series, while Adam Saad’s run and carry in defence has been a pivotal part of the SUNS’ play over the last two years.
Jack Leslie was utilised as a third tall during the JLT Series and is in the mix, as is Trent McKenzie who can also play that role or as a small, but a lack of game time probably leaves ‘Cannon’ with an uphill battle.
Who adds the midfield depth?
In addition to the six midfielders that start on the ground, most teams usually feature at least two to three runners on the interchange bench to allow for rotations.
Matt Rosa, Jesse Lonergan, Jarryd Lyons and draftee Will Brodie are those under consideration. You’d expect Lyons to be included after a solid first hit-out in JLT3 while Rosa is a member of the team’s leadership group, likely leaving Lonergan and Brodie fighting for a spot if there is another one available.
Who plays as small forwards?
Much like the team’s defence, the two talls in Lynch and Wright are locks while Martin and Ablett will spend time up forward. But who will provide the supporting act?
Last year’s No. 4 pick Ben Ainsworth has shown what he’s capable of across the JLT Series and is a strong chance to make his AFL debut. Callum Ah Chee played 16 games in his maiden campaign last season and will be looking to build on that tally, while Brandon Matera is also on the whiteboard as a possible inclusion after missing the final JLT game after undergoing minor surgery on his eye.
