Jarrod Garlett will complete his comeback from ankle reconstructive surgery after being selected in the final 22 to face Richmond at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

It was speculated the livewire forward could miss the remainder of his maiden season following a serious ankle injury suffered against Brisbane in round five. However, Garlett’s meticulous approach to on-going rehabilitation (spanning over three months) will see the 2014 first-round selection complete a successful return to AFL football.

Senior coach Rodney Eade sees the West Australian as a huge part of the SUNS’ future, and the injection of pace will be a valuable asset at the MCG.

“He’s two or three (games) back now in the NEAFL, brings a bit of speed to the group. We’re probably not the quickest team in the comp at the moment with all our midfielders out,” Eade told reporters on Friday at Metricon Stadium.

“We think he’s got a great future ahead; he’s worked extremely hard to get himself back after the ankle operation.

“So it’s as much a reward for that, but also for the future, for him to get a few more games this season and he can hit the ground running over the pre-season.”

As reported earlier on goldcoastfc.com.au, Trent McKenzie will miss Sunday’s game due to hamstring tightness with Clay Cameron coming into the side as a straight swap for the key defender.

The other inclusion for Sunday’s game is Josh Hall, who will play his first senior game in nearly two years after being named at full back.

Sean Lemmens and Henry Schade have been omitted from the side that defeated Brisbane at the Gabba last Saturday.

Round 20 AFL Premiership Team

B: A. Saad, J. Hall, K. Kolodjashnij
HB: N. Malceski, S. May, C. Cameron
C: J. Harbrow, M. Rischitelli, M. Shaw
HF: H. Bennell, T. Lynch, B. Matera
F: J. Martin, S. Day, C. Dixon
R: T. Nicholls, J. Lonergan, T. Miller
Interchange: L. Russell, A. Boston, A. Hall, J. Garlett
Emergencies: Z. Smith, J. Glenn, H. Schade

IN: J. Garlett, J. Hall, C. Cameron
OUT: T. McKenzie (hamstring). S. Lemmens (omitted), H. Schade (omitted)