The equation for the Gold Coast SUNS reserves is simple.
They must defeat Aspley at Graham Road on Saturday afternoon if they are any chance to play NEAFL finals this year.
The SUNS must also rely on the NT Thunder to defeat Southport in order to advance into finals action. With the first bounce of that game occurring 90 minutes prior to Gold Coast’s game, the SUNS will likely be keeping a close eye on the scores before turning their attention to last year’s runners-up.
For the SUNS, Josh Schoenfeld, Jesse Joyce and Mitch Hallahan all return to the reserves after being omitted for the senior team.
Sean Lemmens (seniors), Brayden Fiorini (seniors) and Dan Currie (injury) are the key outs for Stephen Daniel’s side.
Aspley currently sit third on the NEAFL ladder and with just eight-listed players, the SUNS face a difficult task, but one they’ll meet head on.
David Swallow is set to play a full game as he looks at returning to senior action in round 23 against Port Adelaide.
Round 21 NEAFL Team
B: T. Keough, L. Ritchie, M. Willis
HB: M. Spencer (A), S. Tape, J. Joyce
C: J. Schoenfeld, M. Hallahan, J. Bowes (A)
HF: D. Swallow, H. Simington (A), B. Scheer (A)
F: Z. Saad, S. Donnelly, S. Davidson
FOLL: B. Crossley (A), D. Macpherson, D. Charlesworth (A)
INT: J. Dawson (A), N. Kempe (A), S. Watson (A), J. Williams (A)
EMG: C. Marsden, J. Esam, B. Foster