Saturday, June 30, 2018

Gold Coast SUNS (8th) v Redland Bombers (10th) at Metricon Stadium, 4pm
*This match will be streamed live on NEAFL TV (youtube.com/northeastafl)
*Live Champion Data statistics available on the Official NEAFL App

SUMMARY

A big opportunity presents for Redland this week against Gold Coast side at Metricon Stadium. The Bombers, languishing in last place, have brought back a host of big name players, headlined by 2017 NEAFL Mark of the Year winner, Clay Cameron.

The SUNS, meanwhile, have lost their last three, and their depth will be tested this week coming up against the Bombers. Sitting at eighth and tenth on the ladder, expect a close contest this weekend as they battle it out for the four points.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 16, 2017: Gold Coast 21.15 (141) d Redland 10.4 (64) at Metricon Stadium
Round 2, 2017: Gold Coast 23.14 (152) d Redland 9.6 (60) at Scottsdale Park
Round 18, 2016: Gold Coast 26.15 (171) d Redland 9.4 (58) at Leyshon Park

TALKING POINTS

1. Redland will welcome back a host of senior experience against the SUNS as the Bombers are desperate to lift themselves off the bottom of the Tribal Sport NEAFL ladder. Among their inclusions this week are captain Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds along with Adam Boon, Clay Cameron, Damian Steven, Stephen Mills and Harrison Kerr. The six changes add a wealth of NEAFL experience to a side that pushed Southport for three quarters a fortnight ago.

2. Historically, Redland colossus Craig Malone has struggled against the SUNS, who have fielded several big men over the past handful of years. Since the beginning of 2016, only the GIANTS have restricted Malone’s influence in the ruck better than Gold Coast, with the big man returning just 27 and 23 hit-outs in two of his most recent contests against the SUNS. But given the current overhaul of Gold Coast’s list, Malone’s lean streak may end this weekend.

3. While Gold Coast are low on AFL-listed numbers, there is plenty to be excited about when it comes to their academy players. Highly-rated Harry Simington – an Allies representative last year – comes in for his first game of the season after overcoming injury. Adding to the list is the likes of Kwaybe Boakye, Brodie Foster, Emmanuel Baru, Jarrod Mills and more, who are all adding valuable senior experience to their resumes.

ROOKIE WATCH

The SUNS will field a plethora of their academy talents this weekend against the Bombers, including those who missed out on selection in the Allies squad. Cairns native Tui Lowah will be given plenty of opportunity to impress after a solid performance against the Students in Round 12. Lowah finished last week’s contest with 14 disposals – the most of any non-AFL listed player – along with six tackles and four inside 50s.

STATS THAT MATTER

Both Redland and Gold Coast have built a reputation as two of the most ferocious tackling outfits in the competition this season. No side boasts as many players in the league’s top 18 tackles as the SUNS (four) and Bombers (three). Brodie Foster and Brad Scheer all find themselves among the competition’s best alongside Redland trio Jack Rolls, Brad Rees and Tom Salter.

TEAM:

IN: 1. Josh Woolley 21. Jack Leslie 53. Harry Simington 60. Jackson Brumley 55. Jarrod Mills

OUT: 37. Josh Jaska (injured) 32. Brayden Crossley (AFL) 27. Wil Powell (AFL) 48. Timakoi Bowie (suspended) 60. Matthew Conroy (Academy) 47. Joshua Gore (Academy)