Hard running will be a requirement on the vast expanses of Patersons Stadium, instantly putting several players in the mix for senior selection to take on West Coast on Saturday.
Speedsters Aaron Hall, Sean Lemmens, Alex Sexton and Jeremy Taylor would be well suited to “Subiaco’s” open space, whilst defenders Tom Murphy and Matthew Warnock are also expected to be discussed at the selection table.
Meanwhile, Karmichael Hunt is under an injury cloud after aggravating a knee complaint during the side’s 35-point loss to Sydney on Sunday.
#6 Alex Sexton
Last time Sexton played the West Coast Eagles at Patersons Stadium, he kicked three goals and sparked a SUNS fourth-quarter revival that ultimately fell short. Despite a relatively quiet game in the NEAFL, his speed and ability to create in space will mean he’s considered for a return in the West this weekend.
What they said…
“Alex played in the reserves and three consecutive games with the senior team, and turned in a solid response. The challenge for Alex to ensure he maintains that intensity and pressure that saw him promoted to the senior team mid-season.”
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
#21 Jeremy Taylor
Known for his elite aerobic engine, Gold Coast’s best runner in Taylor will mean the in-form NEAFL performer is a chance to make the flight to Perth this weekend. Played a tagging role on Swans star Ryan O’Keefe on Sunday and came out even in that contest.
What they said…
“Jeremy had a bit of a run-with role on Norm Smith medallist, Ryan O’Keefe last weekend which was a great learning experience for him. He handled himself really well, and while there were times he was reactive given his unfamiliarity with the role, he performed quite well and will be better off for the experience.”
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
#29 Tom Murphy
Murphy was once again named in the best for the NEAFL SUNS and the experienced defender continues to get the job done in the reserves.
What they said…
“Tom’s leadership continues to be outstanding but even better is his form has been really good. He is competing really well in the one-on-one contests, and is creating good offense with his ball movement out of the back-half. So he’s been in good form.”
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
#33 Aaron Hall
Aaron Hall’s run of 32 consecutive senior games ended on the weekend, but small forward responded well with 21 possessions, six marks, eight inside 50’s and a goal in the NEAFL SUNS’ 19-point loss to the Sydney Swans reserves.
What they said…
“Aaron was really sharp and we challenged him on certain areas of his game and he responded. The challenge for Aaron is to be ultra-consistent, because we know he has the attributes and capabilities to play AFL football.”
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
#40 Sean Lemmens
After playing the first ten games of the season in the seniors, Lemmens went back to the NEAFL on Sunday and had a massive impact. The small defender collected 24 disposals, seven marks, six tackles, seven inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s and a goal that should see him rocket back into selection thoughts.
What they said…
“I thought he got going as the game wore on; he started slow but sometimes it’s harder going back a level than it is going up. He worked his way into the contest though, and defended as well as he has at AFL level, so he ending up putting together a good game.”
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser
