The exciting goal-sneak had been hampered with a lingering hamstring injury since Round 8 against the Western Bulldogs, and was closely monitored by the club’s high performance team as he continued to eye a return to the Premiership action.
But after playing a key role in the NEAFL SUNS Round 15 clash against the Northern Territorian powerhouse, GC SUNS General Manager of Football Operations Marcus Ashcroft says the 20-year-old rising star will provide a great spark off the interchange bench as the Gold Coasters look to reclaim state-wide bragging rights and the QCLASH Cup from the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba this Saturday.
“Having missed a number of weeks with a hamstring injury, we thought it was necessary for Harley to play at least one match in the NEAFL and he did that last week in Darwin,” Ashcroft told goldcoastfc.com.au this morning.
“He displayed steady improvement as the game went on and his inclusion against the Lions significantly strengthens our team.”
Meanwhile, Luke Russell has also been added to Guy McKenna’s top 22, with his solid form leading into the side’s Round 12 clash against Essendon at Etihad Stadium earning the 21-year-old an immediate recall to the senior team.
“Luke’s last month has been really impressive, he has fully recovered from the hip complaint he suffered at training and will be a welcome addition to the team this week.”
Unfortunately the news isn’t as good for Karmichael Hunt (calf injury) and Maverick Weller (omitted), with the midfielders set to make way for the returning Gold Coasters.
Big boy Rory Thompson will be quietly seeking redemption against Lions’ skipper Jonathon Brown this weekend, after the three-time premiership forward finished with five goals in a Marcus Ashcroft Medal winning performance in their dual at Metricon Stadium earlier this year.
Steven May will be looking for another solid performance around goals after finishing among the GC SUNS leading goal-kickers against Adelaide last weekend.
The 190cm key forward is expected to receive plenty of assistance from Jarrod Harbrow and Aaron Hall, with the expolisve livewires named alongside the centre half-forward.
ROUND 15 AFL Premiership Senior Team
B: T. McKenzie, S. Day, J. Wilkinson
HB: G. Broughton, R. Thompson, T. Murphy
C: M. Shaw, G. Ablett, D. Stanley
HF: J. Harbrow, S. May, A. Hall
F: C. Brown, D. Gorringe, T. Sumner
R: T. Nicholls, D. Swallow, J. O’Meara
INT: D. Prestia, L. Russell, H. Bennell, A. Boston
Emergencies: M. Weller, M. Warnock, S. Tape
In: L. Russell, H. Bennell
Out: K. Hunt (calf), M. Weller (omitted)
View full player profiles here.
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