The Gold Coast SUNS have named an extended 25-man squad ahead of their Round 22 match, with Michael Rischitelli and Jared Brennan in line for senior returns against St. Kilda at Etihad Stadium. 

The skilled midfielders impressed at today’s main training session, with GC SUNS General Manager of Football Operations Marcus Ashcroft telling goldcoastfc.com.au the pair would add experience and leadership around the contested football. 

“Jared has been close the last couple of weeks and there has been some consistency in his performance through the NEAFL and so he deserves his chance,” he said.

“Michael has now had a couple games back from injury and we think he’s fit enough to sustain a full game of AFL football.”

Unfortunately, David Swallow and Jack Hutchins have been ruled out with injuries while Seb Tape will be given an extra week on the sidelines after failing to get through his concussion testing on Thursday.

“David got a knock to his knee against Port Adelaide and hasn’t been able to recover in time for our match against the Saints,” Ashcroft said.

“Jack Hutchins wasn’t able to complete training with hamstring tightness and Tape didn’t’ come through with his concussion testing.”

While the Gold Coaster’s will miss Tape’s fearless attack in defence, elevated-rookie Leigh Osborne preparing to make his AFL debut after being named on an extended interchange.

“Leigh Osborne has been named in the extended 25-man squad but will make his debut against the Saints on Saturday.”

ROUND 22 AFL Premiership Senior Team
B: T. McKenzie, S. May, L. Russell
HB: G. Broughton, R. Thompson, T. Murphy
C: H. Bennell, G. Ablett, J. Harbrow
HF: J. Gillbee, J. Brennan, A. Boston
F: T. Sumner, C. Dixon, A. Hall
R: D. Gorringe, D. Stanley, D Prestia

INT: J. O’Meara, L. Osborne, M. Rischitelli, J. Allen, K. Hunt, J. Hall, L. Patrick

INS: Rischitelli, Brennan, Gillbee, Osborne, Hunt, Patrick
OUTS: Swallow (knee), Hutchins (hamstring), Tape (concussion)