No Ablett for trip to the Cattery

It has been the talk of the week. In fact, it’s dominated discussion for the better part of a month. Gary Ablett’s shoulder setback could not have come at a worse time for the Gold Coast SUNS after two uninspiring performances to start Rodney Eade’s reign. With the SUNS making the tough road trip down to Simonds Stadium to face the winless Cats on their hallowed turf, the absence of their skipper is going to be well and truly felt. Since the club’s inception in 2011, Ablett has missed 12 matches. Of those 12 games, the SUNS have won only once without the little master. Just once. If Eade’s men are going to breath life into their season this weekend, they will need to prove they can win games without the dual Brownlow medallist. It’s safe to say they will be up against it at the Cattery, but in the face of adversity, strange things can happen.

Five forced changes results in the recall of proven class

Two disappointing performances to begin 2015 have been compounded by a growing casualty ward at Metricon Stadium. Ablett’s shoulder has been blasted across newspapers all week, but along with Jarrod Harbrow (shoulder), Mitch Hallahan (ribs) and Greg Broughton (achilles), Eade and the match committee have been forced to make wholesale changes to the SUNS outfit for Sunday afternoon’s fixture. Alex Sexton also accepted a one-match sanction for striking and will bring the total changes to five. Fortunately for Gold Coast, a handful of players have been putting their hands up for senior selection on the back of strong form in the NEAFL. Brandon Matera’s consistent form in the reserves has resulted in his first call-up for the season, along with Aaron Hall who gathered 31 possessions and two goals on the weekend. Trent McKenzie comes straight back into the 22 after being dropped for the St Kilda game, as does Daniel Gorringe who was unlucky to be omitted last weekend. After serving a one game suspension for rough conduct, wingman Matt Shaw also returns.

Cats attacking arsenal a tough task to stop

The battle inside Geelong’s forward 50 could dictate the result on Sunday afternoon. An attack comprising two-time premiership star Tom Hawkins and potential comeback story of the year Mitch Clark has the capacity to reek havoc. They are yet to tear a game apart during the home and away season as of yet, but showed signs of supremacy during the pre-season. Key defenders Steven May and Rory Thompson will be in for a contest at Simonds Stadium with Hawkins and Clark starved of opportunities in the opening two rounds of the season. Whilst the service to the Cats pair hasn’t been exceptional, they have done themselves no favours at times by leading to the same spots. It will no doubt take time to build synergy. May, Thompson and the SUNS will be hoping they don’t suddenly click into gear this weekend. But, it will be vital for the midfield to ensure the delivery isn’t pristine on the back of minimal pressure in transition.

McKenzie responds impressively to demotion 

Eade sent a stern message at the selection table last weekend through the dropping of experienced defender Trent McKenzie. The half-back flanker had become a permanent fixture down back for the SUNS with his penetrating left-foot capable of cutting opposition sides apart. McKenzie has been recalled after only a one-week stint in the reserves, but the message hasn’t been lost on the group. Previous form counts for nothing; attitude and effort are paramount. By all reports, McKenzie went back to the NEAFL and performed strongly in all facets of the game. He gathered 22 possessions, five inside 50s, five rebound 50s and five clearances, but more importantly, reserves coach Josh Fraser said he bought into the team's ethos and worked hard. Following such a disappointing start to the year for the SUNS, McKenzie will be one player who comes under the microscope this weekend against the Cats. And his output won’t be purely measured by rebound 50s and metres gained.

First-year players continue to blossom

First it was one, and then it was two. Now, it’s three. The trio of round one debutants, Adam Saad, Touk Miller and Jarrod Garlett are building by the week. Whilst there has been a strong question mark surrounding the endeavour and effort level of some players, the three two-gamers have begun their careers in a positive manner. Through pressure of the opposition and persistent harassment, Miller and Garlett have secured a third consecutive game in Eade’s side. Garlett came off the bench as the substitute for the second successive week against St Kilda, but due to Jarrod Harbrow’s injury, he came on at the start of the second half. He impacted the scoreboard with 1.3 and could have played a major role in a SUNS rescue had he kicked more accurately. Saad’s eye-catching start to his career continued against the Saints with 21 possessions and more of the dare and dash that we’ve become used to with the mature-aged rookie. He is the top ranked defender at Metricon Stadium according to Champion Data.