There were plenty of surprise packets to emerge for the Gold Coast SUNS in 2016, with local youngster Jesse Joyce perhaps the pick of the bunch.
The Palm-Beach Currumbin junior made his AFL debut in round 11 on the back of a rookie elevation and went on to play 11 senior games, impressing with his work ethic, attitude and ability to use both feet with composure at the top level.
With this year’s season opener just over two weeks away and nearly a full contingent of SUNS on the training track, Joyce knows he has a battle on his hands in order to secure a spot in Rodney Eade’s side to face the Brisbane Lions on March 25.
Steven May and Rory Thompson will occupy the key positions, but there are 7-8 others putting their hands up to fill the back six and by doing the math, there will be at least a couple of unlucky players that will miss the boat.
WATCH: Joyce, Scheer and Soencer return to Palm Beach SHS
For Joyce, the first box he needs to tick off is making the cut for Gold Coast’s final JLT Series game this Thursday against the Western Bulldogs, with the 24-man squad usually a precursor to round one.
“It’s been a good pre-season. Everyone has performed solidly and I’m loving the competition that we are having around the club,” Joyce told The Gold Coast Bulletin.
“It’s going to be very tough to find a spot in the top 22 for round one but I’m looking forward to seeing if I can steal a spot in there.
“It will be pretty close. I feel like if you make that third game you’re definitely putting yourself in a good position for that round one game.
“I’m still on the fringes and there are a lot of the senior players who have come back who are playing a similar position as me.
“The natural occurrence of what happens is the younger boys don’t get as much of an opportunity because they have less experience. I understand that but I’m willing to try to change that and hopefully get a spot in that game and prove I’m worthy.”
The 19-year-old has played in both of the SUNS’ pre-season games so far, kicking a beautiful intercept goal against Brisbane to showcase his talent before backing up with 16 disposals at 87.5% efficiency against Essendon in Mackay last weekend.
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Joyce believes he has played his role for the team so far and is determined to develop further this season.
“I feel like I played my role in those games,” Joyce said.
“There are definitely some things to work on. I’ve definitely improved a lot from last year and the coaches expect more from me, which is awesome.
“I’m looking forward to fulfilling what they think is my brand of footy.”
