The Gold Coast SUNS have been strengthened by the return of Tom Lynch and Luke Russell ahead of Saturday’s QClash against the Lions at Metricon Stadium.
Fresh from bagging seven goals in his return from a foot injury against Aspley in the NEAFL last week, Lynch provides the GC SUNS with another key forward option, as well as being able to fulfil a defensive post if required.
Russell also returned via the GC SUNS reserves after he injured his hamstring during the mid-season break.
Both players are significant inclusions for the SUNS, with Lynch playing the first 10 matches for the season prior to his injury, while the only game Russell had missed prior to his hamstring injury was when he was rested against the Western Bulldogs in Darwin.
In a blow for the GC SUNS, the in-form Danny Stanley will miss the match after he accepted a one match suspension from the Match Review Panel, while Aaron Hall has been omitted.
Marcus Ashcroft Medal
The player judged best on the ground by a panel of independent experts during matches between the GC SUNS and Lions will be awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal.
Ashcroft was a member of the Lions’ side that achieved a hat-trick of premierships from 2001-2003 and was the first Queenslander to play 300 AFL games.
He originally hailed from Southport on the Gold Coast before joining the then Brisbane Bears in 1989. Ashcroft has played a major role setting up the GC SUNS through his position of General Manager Football Operations.
Last month Ashcroft was inducted as one of the inaugural members of the Brisbane Lions’ Hall of Fame.
Previous recipients of the Marcus Ashcroft Medal are:
QClash 1 (Round 7 2011): Jared Brennan (Gold Coast)
QClash 2 (Round 21 2011): Simon Black (Brisbane Lions)
QClash 3 (Round 4 2012): Tom Rockliff (Brisbane Lion)
Round 17 GC SUNS v Lions Team Lineup
In: L.Russell , TJ.Lynch
Out: D.Stanley (Suspension) , A.Hall (Omitted)
