The Gold Coast SUNS NEAFL campaign begins on Saturday morning against the University of Western Sydney Giants at Blacktown International Sportspark.
One of the strongest reserves sides in club history will make the trip down to western Sydney, with 19 listed players selected in the round one squad to illustrate the current depth at the club.
With prized draftee Peter Wright and Daniel Gorringe holding down the key posts inside attacking 50, Brandon Matera and Aaron Hall playing at their feet and Tyrone Downie as a high half-forward, the SUNS forward line looks particularly potent.
Mature-aged rookie Downie was recruited from VFL outfit Bendigo Gold and could be set for a dominant season in the NEAFL after overcoming an injury interrupted pre-season at Metricon Stadium.
In a selection surprise, Trent McKenzie was omitted from Rodney Eade’s side after the disappointing round one loss to Melbourne last weekend. His inclusion is a major boost for Josh Fraser’s side, along with Jack Leslie who was taken from the ground last weekend in a neck brace after crashing over a pack.
Tom Nicholls and Keegan Brooksby will share the ruck duties once again, servicing a midfield comprising former Brisbane Lions and Richmond onballer Andrew Raines, as well as Luke Russell, Jesse Lonergan and SANFL mature-aged recruit Josh Glenn.
Rd. 1 NEAFL Team v UWS Giants
B: J. Ellis, H. Schade, L. Herbert
HB: T. McKenzie, J. Leslie, C. Cameron
C: L. Russell, A. Raines, C. West (Academy)
HF: T. Downie, D. Gorringe, G. Woosup (Academy)
F: B. Matera, P. Wright, A. Hall
INT: J. Hall, K. Brooksby, A. Boston, C. Marsden (Academy)
Emergencies: C. Filewood (Academy), J. Butler (Academy), R. Blood (Academy)
