The Gold Coast SUNS have named a final 23 to take on the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Co-captain Jarrod Witts has been withdrawn from the squad due to a groin injury and will be replaced by young ruckman Ned Moyle.

Ben Long is also confirmed to play his first match of the season, named on the final interchange alongside Sam Flanders, Nick Holman, David Swallow and Levi Casboult.

On the emergency list is Rory Atkins, Mac Andrew and Sam Clohesy.

Jed Walter was yesterday named to make his AFL debut after becoming the highest SUNS Academy pick in AFL Draft history last year (Pick 3).

Brandon Ellis will play his 250th AFL match, fittingly under Damien Hardwick who was his Senior Coach in his debut match for Richmond in 2012.

In his debut Ellis also played alongside SUNS Assistant Coaches Brad Miller and Shaun Grigg, as well as Leadership Consultant Alex Rance.

The SUNS have played in Ballarat three times in club history: 2018 v Western Bulldogs (nine-point loss, Charlie Ballard’s debut), 2021 v GWS (one-point victory) & 2022 v Western Bulldogs (19-point loss).

David Swallow is the only player to have played in every meeting between the Gold Coast SUNS and the Western Bulldogs (16 games).

The match gets underway at 12:00pm AEST and will be broadcast live on Fox Footy, Kayo and the Seven Network (check your local guide).