Former Western Bulldog Jarrad Grant will make his first appearance for the Gold Coast SUNS when he takes the field against Aspley in a NEAFL practice match at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
Selected with pick No. 5 in the 2007 national draft, Grant played 81 games with the Bulldogs before joining the SUNS in the off-season, seen as a perfect fit for Gold Coast’s new forward line structure.
After recovering from a fractured wrist suffered in January, the 26-year-old will be looking to push his case for a spot in Rodney Eade’s round one side on Easter Saturday.
Two others pushing for a round one berth are rookies Ryan Davis and Tom Keough. With David Swallow a chance to be placed on the long-term injury list, the SUNS will be able to elevate one player to be eligible for senior selection if this occurs.
Davis and Keough are seen as the top two options on the SUNS' rookie list. Both have played in all three NAB Challenge games and will be seeking to impress Eade and his coaching staff on Saturday.
Danny Stanley will also play his first game of 2016 against Aspley.
NEAFL Practice Match Squad v Aspley
Saturday 19 March
Metricon Stadium 10:00am
2. Jarrad Grant
20. Henry Schade
21. Jack Leslie
25. Danny Stanley
29. Brayden Fiorini
31. Keegan Brooksby
34. Mackenzie Willis
36. Joshua Schoenfeld
38. Jesse Joyce
39. Ryan Davis
40. Tom Keough
43. Corey Mullins
44. Darcy MacPherson
45. Alexander Dawson
46. Cameron Loersch
48. Seb Tape
50. Jamason Daniels (c)
51. Josh Mold
52. Joel Karwan
52. Zac Brain
54. Seb Rogers
55. James Wiseman
56. Damian Hector
57. Joel Platell