As we head into bye week, goldcoastfc.com.au has taken a look at the upcoming player milestones. Pencil these dates into your diary for the second half of the season.
300 AFL Games
Gary Ablett
Current Games Tally – 296
Milestone Expected – shortly after the bye-round
The Little Master will officially reach 300 games this year, joining one of the most respected and celebrated groups in the AFL. It’s a fitting accolade for a player who has two premierships, two Brownlow Medals, eight All-Australians and five club best & fairest awards across his careers at Gold Coast and Geelong. Ablett reached 100 games in SUNS colours earlier this season and will look to add to his tally after the team return from the bye.
200 AFL Games
Jarrod Harbrow
Current Games Tally – 190
Milestone Expected – towards end of the season
His leadership is held in high regard both on and off the field at the SUNS and come the second half of the season, Harbrow will notch up 200 games as an AFL player. Harbrow last season became the first Gold Coast player to register 100 games in the red and gold and has been in scintillating form to start 2017, despite missing the opening two games.
Matt Rosa
Current Games Tally – 190
Milestone Expected – towards end of the season
The wingman crossed from West Coast at the end of the 2015 season and his experience has been invaluable, seeing him named in the player leadership group in both of his seasons at the SUNS. Rosa is into his 13th season of AFL football and his high professional standards have ensured that he continues to get the most out of his career. He and Jarrod Harbrow are in line to run out for their 200th game together later this season.
100 AFL and Club Games
Trent McKenzie
Current Games Tally – 99
Milestone Expected – shortly after the bye-round
The Foundation SUN has been stranded on 99 games since round 14, 2016 after being sidelined with a number of injuries. Referred to as ‘The Cannon,’ the 25 year old’s booming left boot has kicked a number of goals from distance, providing plenty for the highlights reel. Once McKenzie is back fully fit and works his way into the senior team, he’ll need just one game to reach the seemingly elusive 100-game milestone.
Brandon Matera
Current Games Tally – 97
Milestone Expected – shortly after the bye-round
Entering his seventh season at the SUNS, Matera is now right on the cusp of 100 games and is currently in career-best form. This season has seen Matera play with greater consistency as he adds more elements to his game. He has proven himself more than capable in front of goals, slotting 117 career goals so far, including 15 in 2017.
Steven May
Current Games Tally – 94
Milestone Expected – middle of season
May is well respected amongst the playing group, highlighted by his rise to the captaincy along with Tom Lynch, and will reach 100 games for the SUNS during the second half of the season. Despite missing two games with a hamstring injury, the key defender continues to stamp himself as one of the competition’s premier defenders. Not only is he stopping his opponent, he is also providing influential rebound off half back with an average of 21 disposals per game.
Aaron Hall
Current Games Tally – 86
Milestone Expected – end of season
The speedy midfielder has proved a valuable asset throughout 2017 in the SUNS' new look midfield. Hall and Ablett have a midfield double-act which is delighting fans, and his 100 game milestone will come at the end of the season as long as injury doesn't strike. Hall's season continues to go from strength to strength with an average of 26.6 disposals per game so far.
100 AFL games
Jarrad Grant
Current Games Tally – 94
Milestone Expected – middle of season
The former Western Bulldog joined the SUNS at the end of 2015 and will be hoping to reach the 100 career-games milestone during his second season at Metricon Stadium. The athletic forward is currently sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the NEAFL and will need to force his way into the senior team upon his return in order to reach the landmark game.
50 AFL and Club Games
Touk Miller
Current Games Tally – 48
Milestone Expected – shortly after the bye-round
The midfielder is set to reach the 50 game milestone half way through his third season, having shown consistent improvement throughout his short career. Miller was voted into the club’s player leadership group this season and after extending his contract recently, he’ll be looking to build his tally well beyond the 50-game mark he’ll reach soon.
Jesse Lonergan
Current Games Tally – 47
Milestone Expected – middle of season
This season loomed as a breakout year for Lonergan after playing 15 games in 2016. Despite outstanding form in the NEAFL, the strong midfield depth at the SUNS has limited his opportunities. The Tasmanian has played only one senior game in 2017, before coming out of the team with a shoulder injury. Known for his sheer strength and fearless run at the ball, Lonergan will hope to add to his tally when he returns from injury.
Tom Nicholls
Current Games Tally – 45
Milestone Expected – middle of season
After playing 30 games across the last two seasons, Nicholls is yet to add to his tally in 2017. The ruckman will need to work hard to force his way into the senior team, with recruit Jarrod Witts performing strongly.
50 AFL Games
Jarrod Witts
Current Games Tally – 48
Milestone Expected – shortly after the bye-round
The former Collingwood ruckman landed at the SUNS at the end of the 2016 season and has slotted seamlessly into the SUNS midfield. His work at stoppages and around the ground has seen him average career-best numbers in disposals and hit-outs. Witts is only two games short of reaching the 50-game mark and is on track to share the milestone with Touk Miller.
