You don’t change a winning formula, they say.
Five consecutive wins for the Gold Coast SUNS, the most recent a 45-point victory over the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium on Sunday, will ensure minimal changes at the selection table this week.
Rory Thompson is a chance to come back into the side after missing last week’s game due to injury but one of his teammates will be unlucky to face the chop if the defender returns.
Could coach Guy McKenna spring a surprise change in personnel to match up better with the Adelaide Crows on their home deck this weekend? goldcoastfc.com.au explores five players in the mix for senior selection.
#7 Karmichael Hunt
For the second consecutive week, Hunt was among the leading disposal- getters for the NEAFL SUNS collecting 20 possessions against the UWS Giants. He also had five marks, six clearances, three rebound 50’s and four inside 50’s as he continues to push his case for a recall to senior football.
What they said…
“Certainly his form and his run on the weekend was encouraging.”
- GC SUNS Senior Coach, Guy McKenna
#16 Rory Thompson
Thompson was a late withdrawal from last weekend’s win over the Western Bulldogs after failing to overcome a wrist injury. He’ll be given every opportunity to prove his fitness today and will be a welcome addition to the SUNS backline.
What they said…
“We certainly give him a good chance of playing, and again pretty important against Adelaide’s tall forward line and then moving into Sydney back home as well.”
- GC SUNS Senior Coach, Guy McKenna
#21 Jeremy Taylor
Named an emergency for the senior team last week, Taylor has been playing consistent football so far in the NEAFL in 2014. He had a relatively quiet day on the weekend with 11 disposals, four marks and four rebound 50’s.
What they said…
"Jeremy continues to show great consistency at NEAFL level, and is every chance of earning a senior call-up in the near future. His elite aerobic capacity means he can run both ways, and has the fitness required of playing AFL football."
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
#29 Tom Murphy
After two weeks as the travelling emergency, Murphy returned to the NEAFL and was solid across half-back with 18 disposals and nine marks. With Adelaide’s trio of tall forwards in Taylor Walker, James Podsiadly and Josh Jenkins, the defender will be a chance to come back into the team if Thompson doesn’t pass a fitness test.
What they said…
"Tom’s willingness to turn up each week and play his role for the team exemplifies his football character. He is a true leader on and off the playing field, and would add further experience to the senior team."
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
#48 Seb Tape
Tape has now played five NEAFL games in 2014 and the number 13 draft pick from 2010 is showing signs of returning to his best. He had 16 disposals, five tackles and four clearances for the reserves against UWS and is putting himself firmly in the mix for senior selection.
What they said…
"Seb has been performing well in recent weeks, and in addition to his one-one-one defending, has played at times through the midfield to provide further support around the stoppages. He has gained valuable match fitness through the NEAFL, and a senior opportunity might not be far away."
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
Clay Cameron made his return to football last week in the reserves. Cameron, along with defender Matthew Warnock, may be looked at with Adelaide’s three-pronged attack in mind.
