The Gold Coast SUNS have made just one forced change to the side that defeated St Kilda by 40 points in round 15, with livewire Jarrod Garlett coming in to Rodney Eade’s 22 to face Queensland rivals Brisbane on Saturday.
Matt Rosa, who injured his hamstring early in the win over the Saints, is the only casualty this week, sidelined for at least the next two weeks.
Garlett was scintillating in the reserves last week, booting four goals to lead the NEAFL team to a 33-point win over Southport. The West Australian also had 25 disposals, a game-high 11 tackles and eight clearances in a best-on-ground performance that demanded senior selection.
Garlett has made just one senior appearance in 2016, booting two goals in the SUNS’ round seven loss to Melbourne and will be looking to make the most of his opportunity in an emerging Gold Coast forward line.
The solitary change is the first time since round three the SUNS match committee have made one change or less to the senior team.
Round 16 AFL Premiership Team
B: J. Martin, S. May, K. Kolodjashnij
HB: J. Harbrow, R. Thompson, A. Sexton
C: N. Malceski, M. Rischitelli, M. Shaw
HF: B. Matera, T. Lynch, T. Miller
F: S. Day, P. Wright, R. Davis
FOLL: T. Nicholls, G. Ablett, D. Prestia
INT: C. Ah Chee, A. Hall, J. Joyce, J. Garlett
EMG: M. Hallahan, J. Leslie, C. Cameron
IN: J. Garlett
OUT: M. Rosa (hamstring)