Just when it appeared that the sorry state of injury affairs at the Gold Coast SUNS was on the decline, it has struck again. This time, Rodney Eade has been forced to play prized recruit Nick Malceski before he is ready out of pure necessity.
It hasn’t quite gone to script for Malceski this season, with the premiership defender suffering from a persistent knee issue that forced him to miss four weeks. But after being recalled to the Gold Coast SUNS senior line up for the first time since round four, Malceski gets an opportunity to put his season back on track.
The former All Australian headlines three inclusions to face the Dockers on Saturday afternoon at Metricon Stadium, with inexperienced key defender Jack Leslie and spearhead Charlie Dixon returning. Dixon is back into the senior side after serving a one-match club imposed suspension for breaching club standards.
The injury curse that has hovered over the SUNS throughout the season has claimed more victims. This time, Steven May (groin), Greg Broughton (achilles) and Keegan Brooksby (calf) have all been on the receiving end of one of the more merciless casualty lists in the history of the game.
“I know we keep talking about our injuries, but we’ve been hit again. We’ve lost three players,” Eade told SUNS TV on Thursday evening.
“So we are going to play Nick, who is not quite ready. We think he needs another week – he might be our sub this week.
“Matt Shaw’s back and an emergency, but he’s not right. He’s been really sick and will probably only get half a game in the seconds.
“But that’s where we’re at. We’ve got 23 or 24 to pick from and Nick’s our best option to actually come into the team.”
After landing on the Gold Coast at the beginning of November following a distinguished career at the Sydney Swans, Malceski struggled to meet his lofty standards in the opening month of the season. It emerged that a lingering knee injury was impeding his ability and after a four-week stint on the sidelines, he has spent the last fortnight in the NEAFL regaining form and fitness.
Along with Malceski, Leslie’s return helps bolster an undermanned and inexperienced defensive group that is vulnerable without regular spine members in May and Rory Thompson. Leslie played in the senior side in rounds seven and eight whilst May was serving a suspension, but was squeezed out when he returned.
With Fremantle battling injury concerns of their own down back, the availability of Dixon this week is an advantage for Rodney Eade’s side, with the SUNS capable of stretching the Dockers for height in attack. Dixon’s return will not only assist Tom Lynch inside 50, but also be highly beneficial for Peter Wright who debuted in his absence last weekend against Sydney.
Round 11 Premiership Team:
B: A.Saad, H. Schade, K. Kolodjashnij
HB: C. Cameron, J. Leslie, J. Lonergan
C: L. Russell, T. McKenzie, A. Raines
HF: D. Stanley, T. Lynch, J. Harbrow
F: P. Wright, C. Dixon, T. Miller
R: T. Nicholls, M. Rischitelli, M. Hallahan
Interchange: N. Malceski, A. Boston, B. Matera, S. Lemmens
Emergencies: Z. Smith, M. Shaw, J. Hall
IN: N. Malceski, C. Dixon, J. Leslie
OUT: G. Broughton (achilles), S. May (groin), K. Brooksby (calf)
