Karmichael Hunt failed to finish today’s session held on the Metricon Stadium surface with General Manager of Football Operations Marcus Ashcroft saying the aggressive midfielder had been ruled of the clash with the Demons at the MCG.
“Karmichael unfortunately suffered some discomfort in his hamstring during training today and therefore will be unavailable for selection.” Said Ashcroft.
The powerful 26-year-old will certainly be missed with his hard-hitting style of play around the congested stoppage areas providing a significant boost for his fellow clearance winners so far this season.
There was more pleasing news following today’s session with Swingman Steven May showing he had comfortably recovered from the hamstring strain which kept him out of last weekends match against Fremantle.
May has been named at Full Forward where he will start alongside Live wire Aaron Hall and Charlie Dixon.
While the Gold Coasters will miss Hunts aggressive presence on Sunday, veteran hard man Campbell Brown continues to push for a first team recall despite missing the first 6 weeks of the Premiership season through suspension.
Brown has worked hard to ensure he was in the frame for team selection with his hopes of boarding the flight South boosted after being named on an extended interchange.
Ashcroft conceding Brown’s experience and leadership would be a welcomed as the Gold Coasters search for their first victory on the MCG.
“At this stage he remains a chance of being selected in the senior team,” said Ashcroft.
“He has been named on the extended interchange, and that will be trimmed from seven players to four tomorrow afternoon.”
Michael Rischitelli who is currently battling a number of niggling injuries has been omitted from the GC SUNS squad to travel south.
“Michael is a well respected leader amongst our playing group, but unfortunately he has been battling a few niggling injuries which we feel has affected his performances in recent weeks,” Ashcroft said.
Timmy Sumner may need to patiently wait for his first AFL opportunity, with the former SANFL star named as an emergency for the third consecutive week.
“We have been really impressed with Timmy over the last few weeks, he keeps putting his hand up for senior selection,” said Ashcroft.
“He still remains a chance this week, however what is evident is if he keeps improving then a senior call-up won’t be too far away at all.”
ROUND 7 AFL Premiership Senior Team
B: T. McKenzie, T. Murphy, S. Day
HB: D. Swallow, R. Thompson, G. Broughton
C: M. Shaw, G. Ablett, J. Harbrow
HF: H. Bennell, T. Lynch, J. Lonergan
F: B. Matera, S. May, A. Hall
R: Z. Smith, J. O’Meara, D. Prestia
INT: J. Hutchins, J. Brennan, L. Russell, D. Stanley, T. Sumner, C. Brown, C. Cameron
In: J. Hutchins, C. Brown, S. May
Out: M. Rischitelli (Omit), K. Hunt (Hamstring), Dixon (ankle)
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