To say round one didn’t go to plan is an understatement. However, in less than a handful of days, the Gold Coast SUNS will have the opportunity to gain retribution for such a disappointing start to the season.
Following a performance that lacked effort and intensity, there may be a few changes at the selection table. Tom Lynch will return from suspension, whilst wingman Matt Shaw has accepted a one-match sanction, meaning there will be changes to the team that lost to Melbourne by 26-points.
The NEAFL side played their final practice match in preparation for round one this weekend, with Josh Fraser’s side defeating the Brisbane Lions by three goals to set themselves up for a strong start to the new season.
NEAFL MATCH REPORT: SUNS run over Lions in final practice match
After impressive performances in the reserves, Fraser identified the following players as potential inclusions for this weekend’s game against St Kilda.
Sean Lemmens
“Seanny was terrific, great leadership, played across half-back. He’s used the ball well – very clean skills in wet conditions and his contest set a good standard. I thought Sean was our best player on the weekend.”
Tom Nicholls
“Tommy rucked tirelessly, he was well supported by Keegan Brooksby, but I thought as the game went on he got better and better and probably ended up having the best of the ruck duel. He followed up well from the stoppages and got around the ground and took a couple of contested marks. I thought his game on the weekend was really encouraging. He’s got to continue to be in the mix through consistency.”
Brandon Matera
“Fish was exciting, really creative with the ball in hand, involved in a lot of score involvements for us. I thought he defended pretty well, he put some great pressure on as that small forward. Again, when he had the ball in hand he created for us.”
Aaron Hall
“Aaron was impressive, he had a lot of the footy playing as a small forward, got up and around the midfield, similar to Brandon [Matera] was really creative with the ball in hand. Broke play up with his ball use, and he was pretty solid around the contest so he’s game was encouraging. He looked like he ran the game out well, he’s heading in the right direction.”
Tom Lynch
Last year’s leading goalkicker returns this weekend after missing the Melbourne loss due to suspension for an incident during the second NAB Challenge match. Lynch’s inclusion is a big plus for the SUNS forward structure that lacked a focal point at times against the Demons. With Charlie Dixon still a couple of weeks away from returning from ankle surgery, Lynch is one player Gold Coast need to impact the scoreboard.
