The super talented 18-year-old, who picked up the 2013 NEAFL Rising Star Award and earned U18 All-Australian selection, used the interstate competition as the launch pad to his AFL career after being taken by the GC SUNS with their first selection in the 2013 AFL Rookie Draft.
While the former Helensvale State High School student rose through the junior ranks of the QAFL with the local Junior AFL Club, GC SUNS reserves coach Shaun Hart believes the former Broadbeach star will not be directly targeted by the NEAFL rival, saying the local club will more than likely me focused towards registering the win and gaining momentum ahead of the 2013 NEAFL Season.
“Obviously they’ll be quite familiar with his skills set, but I’m confident Andrew (Boston) will not be the subject of any tagging role by the Cats,” said Hart.
Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au, Hart said he expected Broadbeach to field a competitive squad for the local derby.
“They (Broadbeach) are a young and quick side, they’ve lot a bit of experience but half of our squad is made up of top-up players from the (GC SUNS) Academy and from our senior-listed players so it should be a pretty equal contest,” said Hart.
With senior players Danny Stanley, Michael Rischitelli, Dion Prestia, Charlie Dixon and Joel Wilkinson all being elevated for the GC SUNS NAB Cup match against reigning AFL premiers the Sydney Swans, Hart said he was expecting strong performances from promising youngsters Jackson Allen and Jack Hutchins after both had been omitted from senior selection following the SUNS loss to the Kangaroos last weekend.
“Jackson (Allen) and Jack (Hutchins) are back this week which is certainly going to help some of our younger players, and we’ll definitely be looking for a continued improvement from Jeremy Taylor and Alex Sexton,” Hart said.
Meanwhile, former SANFL star Timmy Sumner will be looking to impress again after a strong performance against Aspley last week, where he provided strong run across half-back and into the Reserves’ midfield.
