Gold Coast will unveil six new faces for the SUNS’ opening round clash against the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night as the club looks to write its next chapter and consign past disappointments to the history books.

As confirmed on Thursday morning, top 10 draftees Ben Ainsworth and Jack Bowes have been named for their AFL debuts after impressive pre-season campaigns. On the back of signing two-year contract extensions last week to extend their time at the SUNS until the end of 2020, the pair will be looking to make positive starts to what is hoped to be long and successful careers at the top level.

Coach Rodney Eade was full of praise for not just Ainsworth and Bowes but the entire 2016 draft crop, describing how not only their talent but also their attitudes and standards have driven them to where they are right now.

“All the guys have got talent but we’ve been really thrilled with their attitude, their willingness to work hard, their willingness to improve and want to improve. Looking for ways to get better,” Eade told reporters at SUNS Headquarters on Thursday.

“Sometimes players who arrive touted with ability tend to think they’ve made it, they tend to cruise a bit but I haven’t seen any of that with the young lads.

“So apart from their talent, it’s been their attitude that’s been terrific.”

All four mature-aged players that arrived at the club during the trade and exchange period will also make their premiership debuts in the red and gold, with Michael Barlow, Jarrod Witts, Pearce Hanley and Jarryd Lyons all named in Eade’s round one 22.

Hanley has been named to start in the centre square against his former side, with the two-time Marcus Ashcroft medallist to be joined by dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett and 2014 Club Champion David Swallow who make their long-awaited returns against the Lions.

Gold Coaster Jesse Joyce has earned his spot in a back pocket after a composed JLT Community Series, while South Australian Sean Lemmens brings up game number 50 for the SUNS in the QClash.


Round 1 AFL Premiership Team

B: J. Joyce, S. May, A. Saad
HB: K. Kolodjashnij, R. Thompson, J. Bowes
C: M. Rosa, G. Ablett, D. Swallow
HF: M. Barlow, T. Lynch, A. Sexton
F: T. Miller, P. Wright, J. Martin
FOLL: J. Witts, A. Hall, P. Hanley
INT: C. Ah Chee, S. Lemmens, J. Lyons, B. Ainsworth

EMG: M. Shaw, B. Matera, J. Schoenfeld