There is increasing competition for places in the Gold Coast SUNS best 22 this week with a number of big names coming back into the NEAFL team last weekend including Bennell, Bock, Dixon and Hunt.
#7 Karmichael Hunt
After a week off with concussion, Karmichael Hunt was serviceable up forward against the UWS Giants with 10 disposals. Overall form is not an issue according to coach Guy McKenna, however Bluey has said Hunt needs to regain match fitness before being considered to play seniors.
What they said…
"When Karmichael has ticked the fitness box, because his form box has been ticked over the last three or four weeks, he’s a legitimate player for our football club."
- GC SUNS Coach, Guy McKenna
#11 Harley Bennell
Bennell made his return to football last week after missing several weeks due to calf injury and the classy midfielder showed he hasn’t lost any of his touch. He gathered 24 disposals (13 contested), seven clearances, kicked 3.2 against the Giants seconds and looks a near-certainty to be included in the round 7 senior team.
What they said...
"He moved and played very well. Offensively he was probably our best player and he kicked 3.2 which was a great return."
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
#22 Tom Nicholls
Nicholls was a late withdrawal from the round 6 match with a minor calf strain. While he remains under an injury cloud, his return to the side would help team balance by allowing Rory Thompson to resume a key defensive post.
What they said...
"We’ll certainly give him every opportunity because he’s important for a number of reasons. One, he can ruck really well. Nothing against Rory last week but obviously it allows Rory to go back and play as a key defender."
- GC SUNS Coach, Guy McKenna
#23 Charlie Dixon
It’s a known fact that coach Guy McKenna likes to stretch opposition backlines with his trio of tall forwards, which means Dixon is a strong chance to come straight back into the seniors. Dixon returned via the NEAFL on Saturday and provided a strong target up forward, kicking two goals.
What they said...
"Charlie was good, competed well. He moved well, ended up playing close to full game time so that’s a big positive."
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
#29 Tom Murphy
Murphy has been named in the best players for the NEAFL SUNS in all five games they’ve played so far. The defender had 16 disposals, five marks and again stopped numerous forward entries from the opposition last weekend against UWS.
What they said...
"Murph’s probably been our most consistent player all year, competing really well in defence and providing a lot of counter-attack for us. His organisation and leadership has been super."
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
There were several other notable mentions from the NEAFL including Nathan Bock who played arguably his best game of 2014. The veteran started in defence and racked up 22 possessions and seven marks. He is likely to come under consideration for senior selection after the bye.
Jeremy Taylor continues to get plenty of the footy in the reserves with his third consecutive game with over 20 disposals, Jesse Lonergan was hard at the footy at usual with five clearances to go with his 19 possessions, while Seb Tape showed continued improvement after returning from injury last week.
