Finally, it's here. After a pre-season that has seemingly gone forever, the Gold Coast SUNS officially begin their 2015 campaign against Melbourne on Easter Saturday at the MCG.
With a new coach in Rodney Eade, a big off-season signing in Nick Malceski and a fit Gary Ablett, a new era is about to begin.
Gaz is back
After a summer of speculation, the little master is back. His CV is peerless and his value to the Gold Coast SUNS is immeasurable.
The return of Gary Ablett provides a massive boost for Rodney Eade’s side as they head to football’s colosseum, the MCG, to tackle a Melbourne side that haven’t looked better in years. Despite not playing a game during the NAB Challenge series, the SUNS skipper has put together a mountain of work during the pre-season and has put his highly scrutinised shoulder through vigorous testing on the training track. It remains to be seen whether Ablett will play through the middle of the ground or spend more time forward. Wherever he plays, his presence will be invaluable for the SUNS as they look to get off the mark early this season. Jaeger O’Meara is a confirmed starter in the NEAFL practice match against Brisbane, which will provide him with the hitout he’s been after and may see him available for senior selection next weekend against St Kilda.
Debutants across the board
The SUNS' haul of five first-gamers in Gold Coast colours has been trumped by the Demons' unveiling of seven. Off-season acquisitions Heritier Lumumba and Jeff Garlett are proven stars and fill gaping holes in Melbourne’s list. And the poaching of Ben Newton from Port Adelaide and Sam Frost from Greater Western Sydney could prove telling down the track. Melbourne, like the SUNS, are also set to debut three players with highly touted pair Jesse Hogan and Angus Brayshaw both selected for their maiden appearance in red and blue, along with mature-aged rookie Aaron vandenBerg. Hogan’s injury issues have been widely documented, but after being forced to wait two years for this opportunity there is bound to be plenty of eyes fixed on the young spearhead on Saturday afternoon. As for last year’s pick No. 3, Brayshaw was shielded from the NAB Challenge series, but demonstrated his prodigious talent for Casey in the VFL and is set to embark on a decade long journey that departs this weekend.
These five will debut for the GC SUNS on Saturday.
Day and Gorringe to spearhead SUNS forward line
With Tom Lynch ineligible and Charlie Dixon on the comeback trail from ankle surgery, the SUNS attacking arsenal takes on a different look to recent seasons. After enduring a frustrating pre-season at Metricon Stadium, versatile big man Sam Day has been named to fill the void inside the SUNS forward 50. The South Australian played one NEAFL practice match during the pre-season and despite his limited preparation, he looked in good touch and will no doubt spend some time in the ruck to support Zac Smith.
Athletic tall Daniel Gorringe will provide the other focal point deep inside 50 after he was also named. Gorringe played a variety of roles throughout the NAB Challenge series but looked most dangerous when playing as a key forward. With debutants Touk Miller and Jarrod Garlett playing at their feet and excitement machines Harley Bennell and Jack Martin set to float forward at times, the SUNS spread of goal scoring options looks potent.
Hogan watch for Dees
Jesse Hogan has been likened to Jonathan Brown by some of his teammates and the build up to his debut has been bigger than anything the game has ever seen. After being ineligible to play for the Demons in 2013 - due to being selected as a 17-year-old priority access pick – Hogan booted 39 goals in the VFL and won the Casey Scorpions best and fairest to have Melbourne supporters salivating at the thought of him patrolling their forward arc.
He missed all of last season due to stress fractures in his back, but that is now ancient history as far as Melbourne supporters are concerned. Steven May will draw Hogan given the absence of Chris Dawes due to suspension. The matchup is sure to draw plenty of attention given May’s emergence last season as one of the premier defenders in the competition. Sam Frost was recruited to fill the void left by James Frawley, but strong form up forward during the NAB Challenge series may seem him continue to play that role against the SUNS with no Dawes.
One ruckman approach for both teams
Rodney Eade and the match committee have elected to go with the one specialist ruckman in Zac Smith. After toying with the idea of playing both Smith and Tom Nicholls in the same side, only the former was given the nod with Sam Day set to pinch hit in the ruck at times. The Demons have also chosen just one designated ruckman in the experienced Mark Jamar, with Max Gawn named as an emergency. Smith’s more aggressive approach this pre-season sets up an intriguing battle with Jamar who is renowned for this area of the game.
LAST FIVE ENCOUNTERS
Rd 5, 2014, Gold Coast 11.20 (86) d Melbourne 11.12 (78) at the MCG
Rd 20, 2013, Gold Coast 13.12 (90) d Melbourne 10.17 (77) at Metricon Stadium
Rd 7, 2013, Gold Coast 16.18 (114) d Melbourne 7.12 (54) at the MCG
Rd 19, 2012, Melbourne 16.12 (108) d Gold Coast 9.12 (66) at the MCG
Rd 23, 2011, Melbourne 17.10 (112) d Gold Coast 12.10 (82) at the MCG
FORM
Gold Coast SUNS:
Rd 23, 2014, Gold Coast 15.9 (99) def by West Coast 23.13 (151) at Metricon Stadium
Rd 22, 2014, Gold Coast 13.11 (89) def by Essendon 16.12 (108) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 21, 2014, Gold Coast 7.5 (47) def by Port Adelaide 7.14 (56) at Metricon Stadium
Rd 20, 2014, Gold Coast 8.10 (58) def by Carlton 14.13 (97) at Etihad Stadium
Melbourne:
Rd 23, 2014, Melbourne 14.9 (93) def by North Melbourne 19.9 (123) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 22, 2014, Melbourne 8.5 (53) def by West Coast 18.11 (119) at Domain Stadium
Rd 21, 2014, Melbourne 3.16 (34) def by GWS Giants 15.8 (98) at MCG
Rd 20, 2014, Melbourne 9.11 (65) def by Hawthorn 17.13 (115) at MCG
