Just when the injury curse appeared to be ceasing, it has continued to hover over Metricon Stadium, forcing a handful of changes ahead of Saturday’s twilight clash with the Western Bulldogs at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns.

Luke Russell (finger), Adam Saad (groin) and Henry Schade (hip) have all been ruled out of the trip to north Queensland due to injury, whilst Keegan Brooksby and Andrew Boston have been omitted.

Gold Coast’s back six will be strengthened by the return of Jarrod Harbrow and Rory Thompson, with the key defender set to play his first game since round six’s loss to Adelaide. Thompson has spent the last fortnight in the NEAFL, regaining form and fitness after overcoming a hip ailment.

Matt Shaw, Seb Tape and Sean Lemmens have all been rewarded for strong performances in the reserves with a recall to Rodney Eade’s side.

Lemmens responded emphatically to be left out of the side that beat North Melbourne last weekend, recording a game-high ten tackles to go with 22 possessions and five inside 50s.

Wingman Shaw has been forced to earn another opportunity at senior level after being dropped following the SUNS’ disappointing performance against West Coast in round seven. He was instrumental in the reserves victory over Sydney University last weekend, collecting 32 possessions, 12 marks and six rebound 50s.

Lock down defender, Tape, has been forced to wait even longer for a recall to the senior side. The 22-year-old has not played since the QClash victory over Brisbane back in round five, but after a series of strong efforts in the NEAFL, the tenacious backman earns another opportunity.

With captain Gary Ablett and David Swallow saddling up for their second successive games since returning from long-term injuries, the midfield continues to look far more stronger than it has for the best part of 2015.

Round 15 AFL Premiership Team

B: S. Tape, R. Thompson, K. Kolodjashnij
HB: J. Harbrow, S. May, T. McKenzie
C: A. Sexton, G. Ablett, N. Malceski
HF: D. Swallow, T. Lynch, B. Matera
F: A. Hall, C. Dixon, S. Day
R: T. Nicholls, M. Rischitelli, M. Hallahan
Interchange: M. Shaw, S. Lemmens, T. Miller, J. Lonergan

Emergencies: A. Boston, C. Cameron, K. Brooksby

IN: S. Tape, M. Shaw, S. Lemmens, J. Harbrow, R. Thompson
OUT: L. Russell (finger), A. Saad (groin), H. Schade (hip), K. Brooksby (omitted), A. Boston (omitted)