On the eve of Gold Coast’s final JLT Series game against the Western Bulldogs, coach Rodney Eade has nearly settled on his best 22 for the SUNS’ round one clash against Brisbane on Saturday March 25.
The SUNS match committee has narrowed their shortlist down to approximately 26 players and tomorrow evening’s game against the reigning premiers provides a final opportunity for many to put their hands up and demand opening round selection.
“I think there’s still a spot or two (up for grabs),” Eade told reporters at SUNS Headquarters on Wednesday.
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“Obviously there’s a chance for players to grab tomorrow, there’s no one really that will be available from injury. [Jarrod] Harbrow will be available but he’ll probably need a couple of extra games in the NEAFL.
“So this squad of 24 that we take in, it’ll probably be out of those. Sean Lemmens is not playing so he’s a chance for round one so there might be a flip and flop here so it’s probably down to 25-26 players at the moment.”
Three of the players in Gold Coast’s 24-man squad are top 10 draftees from last year in Ben Ainsworth, Will Brodie and Jack Bowes.
All have impressed during the pre-season so far, but Eade admits he’s hesitant to take all three into round one given the furious pace of the game early in the season.
“That’s a good question. You’re probably loathed to because round one’s fairly fast paced but all three have done well over the summer,” Eade said.
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“Bowes, Ainsworth and Brodie have done exceptionally well so we’re certainly pleased with where they’re at but we certainly know with kids that they can get fatigued, there’s a big jump up into AFL so we’ll be mindful of that.”
Jesse Lonergan (quad tightness), Lemmens (hamstring) and Brandon Matera (eye) will miss the final JLT Series game with minor niggles, while defender Trent McKenzie (calf) is also still on the mend.
Eade confirmed the quartet will be available for Gold Coast’s NEAFL practice match against Aspley on March 18, the club’s final hit out before the 2017 AFL premiership season gets underway in just 17 days time.
