The Gold Coast SUNS will welcome back two key inclusions for Sunday’s VFL Grand Final against Werribee at IKON Park.
Joint Frosty Miller Medallist Brodie McLaughlin and experienced key defender Jake Stein have both been added to the side that defeated Box Hill in last weekend’s Preliminary Final.
McLaughlin has kicked 52 goals to date in 2023 while Stein has been a mainstay in the SUNS defence, missing only the Preliminary Final.
The pair come into the side in place of captain James Tsitas, who will miss the Grand Final through suspension, and SUNS Academy talent Nick Williams who features among the emergencies.
Charlie Constable will captain the side in its first premiership decider in the absence of Tsitas.
The side features 20-AFL listed players alongside three SUNS Academy prospects in Campbell Lake, Jared Eckersley and 16-year-old Leo Lombard.
They are among 10 players in the side who have come through the SUNS Academy pathway.
The SUNS and Werribee have met on four previous occasions dating back to the inaugural meeting in 2010 with those four matches decided by a cumulative five points.
First bounce is at 3:10pm on Sunday afternoon at IKON Park. The match will be broadcast across the Official AFL Live App, 7Plus and the Seven Network (check your local guides).
Gold Coast-based fans are encouraged to head down to Heritage Bank Stadium for an action-packed afternoon with the VFL Grand Final to be shown on the big screen at the Fifth Quarter Bar prior to Sunday evening’s AFLW fixture against the Western Bulldogs.
Gate 3 will open from 2.30pm with free entry until 4.15pm. Patrons entering after 4.15pm must have a match-access AFLW membership or paid ticket - $10 for adults and free for kids.