Rory Thompson will make his long anticipated return to AFL football this Saturday, with the regular full back named to play against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.
The Gold Coast’s premier defender has had to work his way back from a limited pre-season, following off-season hip surgery and a recent bout of gastro which derailed his NAB Challenge chances last month.
But after gaining valuable match practice through the Gold Coast SUNS NEAFL side, GC SUNS General Manager of Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft said Thompson is ready to reclaim his place in the 22 and lead the SUNS backline in Perth.
“Rory returns to the senior team after a strong performance against Southport in the NEAFL,” Ashcroft said.
“Last year he had a fantastic year as a key defender, and we think he has developed again over the summer, so we’re thrilled to welcome him back to the side.”
As revealed by goldcoastfc.com.au earlier this morning, Kade Kolodjashnij will make his AFL debut in the West, named on the interchange bench alongside midfielders Danny Stanley, Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia.
After easing his way to at least 45 touches off half-back in the NEAFL side’s final practice match, Ashcroft said there were no question marks at match committee on who should replace Jack Martin in the senior team.
Watch Kade Kolodjashnij’s interview with SUNS TV
“Kade’s debut against Fremantle really is a reward for the way he played last week,” Ashcroft said.
“His pre-season was at a really high level, and we feel he will acquit himself quite well at AFL level.”
He will become the fourth debutant for the Gold Coast this season, following on from Martin, Clay Cameron and Sean Lemmens’ round one selection against Richmond.
Round 2 AFL Premiership Senior Team
B: R. Thompson, S. May, G. Broughton
HB: S. Lemmens, C. Cameron, T. McKenzie
C: M. Shaw, G. Ablett, J. Harbrow
HF: A. Hall, T. Lynch, T. Sumner
F: S. Day, C. Dixon, B. Matera
R: T. Nicholls, M. Rischitelli, D. Prestia
INT: D. Stanley, J. O’Meara, D. Swallow, K. Kolodjashnij
Emergencies: L. Russell, M. Warnock, J. Taylor
In: Kolodjashnij, Thompson
Out: Martin (shoulder), Warnock (omit)
