A return to full health for Trent McKenzie, Brandon Matera and Michael Rischitelli could see Guy McKenna recall a number of stars for Saturday’s match against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium.
Gold Coast is determined on getting back on the winners board with a strong performance against the Saints this weekend, and would heighten its chances of registering a win over St Kilda by bolstering it’s 22 with proven AFL talent.
While the dynamic duo will need to be passed fit by club medical staff, McKenzie and Matera would be a welcome addition to the senior group, while 28-year-old Rischitelli would also add experience and leadership to a midfield that is already without it’s superstar ball-hunter in Gary Ablett.
The vice-captain was a notable absentee in last weekend’s QClash match-up against Brisbane, but is a chance of reclaiming his position provided he can pass a series of fitness tests.
Unfortunately, season-ending ankle surgery has spelled the end of 2014 for current No. 1 ruckman Zac Smith, while a serious quad complaint will keep Charlie Dixon out of action for an indefinite period of time.
While the club’s tall timber stocks have suffered a blow, a window of opportunity may have opened for athletic big man Daniel Gorringe, whose solid return to football continued against the Brisbane Lions reserves last weekend, with the developing ruckman running out games noticeably better.
The former top ten draft pick underwent mid-season surgery on a niggling Achilles injury, but appears to have found form and fitness following consecutive matches in the NEAFL.
Meanwhile, full-back hopeful Henry Schade continues to show tremendous promise in his most recent performances, suggesting the club’s first selection from the 2011 AFL Draft could be edging closer to a senior debut.
Matthew Warnock and Timmy Sumner both impressed in their return to football through the NEAFL, while Jackson Allen competed superbly against the Lions seconds through the midfield.
