The Gold Coast SUNS appear set to shift some tall timber in this Saturday’s QClash against the Brisbane Lions with Keegan Brooksby brought into the side for his first appearance of 2016.
The South Australian has been named at full forward but has the ability to play in the ruck or deep in defence. With Rory Thompson and Trent McKenzie missing through injury, coach Rodney Eade has a variety of options at his disposal to cover their absence with Clay Cameron and Sam Day both able to swing back.
“Brisbane are a little bit different they’ve got a lot of runners so that changes the balance a bit, but Clay Cameron has done well both back and forward, and did well last week with Trent out. So that’s a good option for us,” Eade told United Coaches Chat.
“Sam Day can play both ends. We’ll play Keegan Brooksby this week who's obviously a ruckman, has played forward, and again got some flexibility to his game and can play back as well.
“We’ve got some players there that we can swing around both ends of the ground.”
The SUNS will also welcome an increase in pressure acts this weekend, with youngsters Callum Ah Chee and Touk Miller returning from injury.
Ah Chee missed the SUNS’ round three win over Carlton with illness while Miller has been sidelined since round one with a minor ankle sprain.
Both players are renowned for their ferocity around the contest and are a welcome addition given the decrease in forward 50 tackles against the Blues compared to the opening two rounds.
Brandon Matera will play in the NEAFL side this week after being omitted.
Round 4 AFL Premiership Team
B: C. Cameron, S. May, S. Lemmens
HB: A. Saad, S. Day, N. Malceski
C: K. Kolodjashnij, G. Ablett, J. Harbrow
HF: T. Miller, T. Lynch, J. Martin
F: A. Sexton, K. Brooksby, C. Ah Chee
FOLL: T. Nicholls, M. Rischitelli, D. Prestia
INT: M. Rosa, A. Hall, J. Lonergan, R. Davis
EMG: H. Schade, B. Fiorini, B. Matera
IN: K. Brooksby, T. Miller, C. Ah Chee
OUT: R. Thompson (ankle), T. McKenzie (nose), B. Matera (omitted)
