HENRY Schade’s aspirations of playing senior football got a shot in the arm over the weekend, with a best-on-ground performance against Broadbeach. 

A developing key defender with an appetite for hard work, Schade has had an outstanding month in the NEAFL SUNS back-six, providing great run and carry out of the back half whilst challenging his man at every contest.

One of just a few shining lights in the Gold Coast SUNS reserve’s 94-point loss to the Cats on Saturday, the Tasmanian kept in-form Mitch Brewer to goalless for the entire match after the Cat’s power forward went berserk against Redland at Casheez Park where he finished with seven goals for the afternoon. 

GC SUNS NEAFL coach Shaun Hart had nothing but praise for Schade’s growing presence down back.  

“He showed a real urgency and intent with his aggression, and an ability to control his opponent’s body to ensure he got the ball to ground,” Hart said.

Given Broadbeach finished with 21 majors out of 41 scoring shots, Hart said Shade’s ability to shut-down Brewer’s influence on the contest made it all the more impressive. 

“He was under weight as well, so given the weight of entries from Broadbeach it made for an even better performance.”

Challenged this year to throw more of his body weight around the stoppage work and in defence after adding significant muscle mass and strength to his light 196cm frame, it was evident Schade was out to answer the call to show more aggression.

“We’ve been really challenging him because in recent weeks he’s been trailing up on his opponent and not being aggressive enough in the contests, but on the weekend he showed a brand new level of urgency and intensity that is required to be playing at senior level,” he said.

“We’re starting to see him impose himself a lot more and build confidence in his ability to compete and win each contest.

“He’s probably an outside chance this year but with another full pre-season, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s pushing up to play senior footy next year.”