The injury curse at the Gold Coast SUNS has continued this week with more carnage in the form of Adam Saad (hamstring) and Rory Thompson (hip). But fortunately for Rodney Eade and the match committee, the players sanctioned for breaching alcohol protocols all responded in an emphatic fashion in the NEAFL.
 
Harley Bennell, Trent McKenzie, and Brandon Matera all put their hands up for an immediate recall to Eade’s side for the trip to Perth. And big-bodied midfielder Danny Stanley produced the best performance of his year to date to mount his case for a return to the senior side.
 
With Thompson joining the suspended Steven May on the sidelines, the defensive stocks are particularly bare and inexperienced. Henry Schade has played just two games, whilst another man in Jack Leslie who also has only two games of senior experience might come in to the side.
 
NEAFL coach Josh Fraser has provided his insights into the players who are putting their hand up for a spot in Eade’s 22.

Harley Bennell (40 disposals, 10 clearances, 7 inside 50s & 2 goals)

“Harley was terrific. Prolific in terms of finding the footy, really creative and lively around stoppages. He set up so much offensive movement for us. He was lively around goals – he missed a couple of uncharacteristic shots on goal but he had no problem finding the footy. He looked a class above. He was super."

Trent McKenzie (18 disposals, 4 inside 50s and 4 rebound 50s)

“Trent was really solid. He played an important role for us. He played through the midfield for most of the first half and then in the second half we put him behind the ball just to open up our forward line a little bit and just to give us some experience down there. Obviously they had some experience in their forward line with Jarred Brennan, Josh Hunt and John Anthony. Putting Trent back there gave us the chance to win the footy back and use it the other way."

Brandon Matera (15 kicks, 9 handballs & 3 goals)

“The thing I was impressed with Fish’s game was his intent to apply pressure. We know how good he is with finding the ball and creating, but he was really strong in his efforts to defend and tackle and those sorts of things were really pleasing."

Jack Leslie (5 disposals & 4 rebound 50s)

“Jack ended up putting together a really solid game. He got beaten early by Jack Anthony but he was able to readjust his positioning and change a few things with the way he was going about it and he ended up having a really good game on him. He didn’t get a lot in terms of offensive ball from Jack, but he’s primary role was to defend and he did that really well."

Danny Stanley (38 disposals, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s & 4 tackles)

“Bull was super. He looked like he was back to somewhere near his best. He was clean, he was strong through the stoppages and the contest, he burst away a few times and he was able to run and change angles and break the lines for us. That’s the best game he’s played for us this year and if he continues to play like that he’s in for a good second half of the year."

Keegan Brooksby (41 hitouts, 27 disposals, 11 clearances & 7 marks)

“Arguably our best player. He controlled the ruck, but the most impressive thing about him is probably his leadership qualities in terms of getting to a stoppage and setting up our onballers and the confidence he has in himself in being able to hit the ball to where it needs to go. He was super, he’s contested footy was great, he found uncontested as well. He played a great game."

Tyrone Downie (16 disposals, 7 marks & 5 goals)

“'Tigga' was super, he really was. He’s got an uncanny knack of being able to turn games in a short period of time. I think he kicked three goals in three or four minutes. The boys love playing with him; they really feed off his energy. He tries desperately hard to do the right things all the time, and that’s noticeable. He’s got a great ability to read the ball in the air and take marks and he’s got a great goal sense."