With just over a week until footy returns, players are keen to show the coaching staff why they deserve to be in the squad for the Gold Coast’s first JLT Community Series game in Townsville.
Friday’s intra-club match, to be held at the SUNS’ Family Night Out, gives them another opportunity to press for selection.
There are a number of key position players fighting for their place in the team, and the selection committee will be watching these matchups intently.
Captains Steven May and Tom Lynch are likely to be stationed at either end of the ground, and it may well be a case of who they are partnered with.
Steven May v Tom Lynch
If Tom Lynch lines up at centre half-forward, it would be no surprise to see his fellow captain Steven May line up alongside him.
As one of the most dangerous forwards in the game, kicking 44 goals in 2017, Lynch will ensure he provides a contest both in the air and at ground level.
His average of 6.3 marks and 15.2 disposals per game last season highlight the power forward’s ability to work further up the ground.
With May coming off a season in which he averaged a career high for disposals (19.3) and marks (7.1), he’ll provide a stern match up for Lynch.
The key defender will also look to zone off and support his teammates in the backline by intercepting opposition kicks inside 50.
Peter Wright v Jack Leslie
After finishing second in the SUNS’ goal kicking last season, Peter Wright proved himself an adept partner for Lynch in the forward line.
The 203cm key forward averaged a career high for marks last season, including a haul of 10 in a game against the Hawks.
His ability to play in the ruck will also mean that he may spend some time further up the ground and in the midfield.
Another option at full-forward could be Sam Day, who made his return from injury at last week’s AFLX tournament in Sydney.
Jack Leslie may get the nod to take on Wright , who played thirteen games in 2017.
The 22-year-old showed plenty of promising signs of development last season and will be battling it out with Rory Thompson for the second key defensive post.
Thompson will be looking to bounce back from an injury interrupted season and re-establish himself in the SUNS’ best 22.
READ MORE: Intra-club match preview: Rucks
The intra-club match will be held at Bond University’s AFL Field, with the match starting at 3.45pm, and all SUNS members and fans are welcome to attend.
Following the match, there will be a signing session and photograph opportunities with the team as part of Family Night Out.
