The Gold Coast SUNS have been forced to make wholesale changes once again ahead of this weekend’s clash against the West Coast Eagles in Perth.
The four players sanctioned for breaching alcohol protocols – Harley Bennell, Trent McKenzie, Brandon Matera and Danny Stanley – have all been recalled to Rodney Eade’s side for Saturday night’s clash at Domain Stadium after producing convincing performances in the NEAFL last weekend.
Key defender Jack Leslie also comes in to the side for his first game of the season, replacing injured backman Rory Thompson who has been ruled out with a limbering hip complaint.
After debuting in round 22 last season, Leslie played the final two games of 2015 and joins Henry Schade in the defensive key posts. The pair has just two games of experience apiece at AFL level and will be met with one of the toughest tasks in football in Coleman Medal leader Josh Kennedy.
Adam Saad (hamstring), Clay Cameron (calf) and Josh Glenn (ankle) all won’t make the trip across the country. Although Gold Coast SUNS GM of Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, revelaed that Hallahan would fly to Perth as the side's travelling emergency.
With Leslie and Stanley coming into the line up, it takes the SUNS' tally of total players used up to 37 for the season. Further highlighting the injury epidemic that has swept through Metricon Stadium like a vicious cyclone.
Seasoned utility Stanley gets the opportunity to put a frustrating start to the season behind him in Perth. The 27-year-old’s pre-season was derailed in the final stages by a persistent quad injury that lingered. He then suffered concussion in his return game in the reserves, but last weekend he found form with 38 disposals to force the selectors hands.
