Matt Shaw and Clay Cameron will make their return to the AFL, with both players earning a senior recall for Saturday’s crucial match against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
22-year-old Shaw reclaims his place following his omission from the senior team last weekend, while Clay Cameron's consistent run with the Gold Coast SUNS NEAFL team sees the young defender rewarded a start at Centre Half-Back.
Shaw has featured in 18 of the SUNS’ 20 matches this season and has shown his worth as a hard-running ball carrier through the midfield.
General Manager of Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, confirmed the two changes to goldcoastfc.com.au.
“Matt compliments our midfield group nicely as he has the ability to break the lines and impact the play on the outside,” Ashcroft said.
“His run and carry will be a welcomed addition to the senior team.”
Saturday will also mark Cameron's AFL comeback.
The unheralded defensive stopper has played seven games this season, with his most recent outing coming against the Brisbane Lions in round 18 at the Gabba.
Ashcroft is confident Cameron can perform a key role down back alongside Rory Thompson.
“Clay gives depth and a great level of competitiveness to our backline,” Ashcroft said.
“We’re looking forward to having him perform a key defensive role for us this Saturday.”
As confirmed in this week’s Injury Update, Charlie Dixon has been ruled out for the remainder of the premiership season due to a troublesome quad, while Louis Herbert has been omitted from the final 22.
He joins Jack Leslie and Karmichael Hunt as the team’s emergency-listed players.
Dion Prestia will captain the team this weekend.
Round 22 AFL Premiership Team
B: S. Tape, R. Thompson, K. Kolodjashnij
HB: S. Lemmens, C. Cameron, T. McKenzie
C: J. Harbrow, D. Stanley, M. Shaw
HF: M. Rischitelli, T. Lynch, H. Bennell
F: J. Martin, S. Day, B. Matera
R: D. Gorringe, J. O’Meara, D. Prestia
INT: D. Swallow, T. Sumner, J. Lonergan, A. Sexton
Emergencies: J. Leslie, K. Hunt, L. Herbert
In: Cameron, Shaw
Out: Dixon (quad), Herbert (omit)
