Saturday’s NEAFL practice match against Aspley at Metricon Stadium represents the last major opportunity for SUNS players to force their way into Rodney Eade’s best 22 for round one against Brisbane.

Jesse Lonergan and Sean Lemmens will be watched closely by the coaches, with Eade identifying the pair as being in the mix for senior selection after missing Gold Coast’s final JLT Series game due to minor injury concerns.

Former Crow Jarryd Lyons made his first appearance for the SUNS in JLT3, collecting 17 disposals. He has named to take on the Hornets with the high performance team looking to get more minutes into his legs ahead of round one.

Meanwhile, veteran Jarrod Harbrow, ruckman Tom Nicholls and draftees Jack Scrimshaw and Brad Scheer will all play their first games of the season against Aspley.

In addition to the 17 listed players, the SUNS will utilise their AFL Under 19 Academy squad for the first time to provide top-ups to the NEAFL side. Among those is Muhammed Saad, the younger brother of Gold Coast defender Adam.

Gold Coast SUNS Squad
NEAFL Practice Match v Aspley

2. J. Grant
5. J. Harbrow
7. J. Lonergan
14. M. Hallahan
22. T. Nicholls
23. S. Lemmens
25. J. Lyons
26. M. Shaw
31. K. Brooksby
32. B. Matera
34. M. Willis
37. J. Scrimshaw
39. R. Davis
40. B. Scheer
43. M. Spencer
44. D. Macpherson
46. C. Loersch
47. M. Saad
48. C. Marsden
51. N. Kempe
53. C. Offerman
57. T. Frazer
58. S. Watson
59. J. Esam