Against the Sydney Swans on Saturday night, the Gold Coast SUNS midfield was as close to full strength as it has been in recent memory.
Despite prime movers Jaeger O’Meara and David Swallow still being on the sidelines, the SUNS featured a solid mixture of experience and youth with the likes of Dion Prestia, Gary Ablett, Matt Rosa and Michael Rischitelli joined by Jesse Lonergan and Touk Miller rotating through the centre square.
For the first time in weeks, the SUNS engine room looks set to build some continuity with Gold Coast getting through Saturday’s bruising clash relatively unscathed.
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“It’s exciting to be able to play week in, week out. That’s what we’re going to have to try and get, fingers crossed guys are able to stay on the oval,” Rischitelli told the media on Tuesday.
“So we’ll just hope that’s the key for us to try and stay on the park and play as long as we can together to try and get that continuity to get something special for us.”
Rosa and Miller made their return to the senior team after missing three and two weeks respectively.
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Former West Coast wingman Rosa was arguably Gold Coast’s best on the night, collecting 33 disposals (18 contested), nine clearances, five tackles and six inside 50’s in his best performance wearing a SUNS guernsey.
“Obviously very skilful player, got a good tank and just brings that leadership and experience we’ve been missing,” Rischitelli said.
“He started the year off pretty well, unfortunately got injured but he came back strong on the weekend so we’re going to need another big performance from Matty and a couple of other guys so he’s doing well so far.”