Maverick Weller and Joel Wilkinson will make their return to football this weekend, with the two senior players both named in the 22-man NEAFL side that will take on Morningside at Jack Esplen Oval.

It has been a frustrating start to the 2013 season for Weller, with the 21-year-old having been on the brink of senior selection before going down with a fractured scapula (shoulder injury) midway through the opening term in the NEAFL’s season opener against Mt. Gravatt.

But after being monitored closely by the club’s high performance staff for the past nine weeks under a modified training program, Weller is back in action and focused on building upon his 28 AFL appearances.

“I’m mentally fresh, feeling really good and ready to play some football,” Weller said.

Wilkinson will also itching to taste competitive football again, after suffering an ankle injury in the GC SUNS 38-point loss to Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium.

NEAFL coach Shaun Hart said Wilkinson’s return would be a great boost of confidence for the confidence-building reserves side, with the 21-year-old strongman set to provide the seconds with more aggression and hard-hitting power around the defensive zones.

“Joel brings discipline, team care and a work-rate you want to see from all your senior players,” said Hart.

“He consistently plays at an AFL level all the time, and will be a handy addition for the side as he comes back from his ankle injury.”

Meanwhile, Lachlan Weller is set to wear the red-and-gold Guernsey for the second time this year alongside brother Maverick, with the GC SUNS Academy student likely to be a focal point for morning side after starring in the NEAFL team’s 126-point win over Mt. Gravatt earlier this year.  

“He’s starting to play games for the U18’s and is going really well,” said Maverick Weller.

“He’s a bottom age player in the division so it’s all about experience and working on his efficiencies and getting ready to go next year so he can put his best foot forward and hopefully be drafted.”

GC SUNS Academy Talent Manager – Jason Torney, who has followed the 16-year-old’s journey through the ranks of the NEAFL quite closely, says Weller’s younger brother is on track towards using the interstate competition as the launchpad to his AFL career.

“Lachie has established himself as a quality player within the Queensland football circuit,” Torney said.

“He has not only impressed State selectors and coaches but he has also made a strong impact with the Broadbeach Cats, debuting in the senior last year and when is available is always in contention for a senior match.”

Deputy Vice-Captain Michael Rischitelli will also begin his campaign for a senior selection recall, with the experienced midfielder named as captain for tomorrow afternoon’s contest.

GC SUNS Reserves Team
B: A. Sexton, C. Cameron, J. Allen
HB: J. Taylor, H. Schade, L. Osborne
C: M. Weller, J. Gillbee, A. Boston
HF: T. Sumner, J. Hall, D. Trask
F: J. Taylor, D. Gorringe, S. Mills
R: T. Nicholls, K. Horsley, M. Rischitelli (c)

Interchange: L. Patrick, J. Wilkinson, J. Goodall, L. Weller

Emergencies: H. Fraser, D. Mutu