CHARLIE Dixon makes his long-awaited return to Premiership football against Carlton this Saturday, the towering power forward named in Guy McKenna’s top 22 for the first time since suffering a serious injury. 

The Club’s  key forward hadn’t been seen on the football field since re-injuring his ankle back in  Round 11 however after a successful return in Shaun Hart’s NEAFL team last weekend, the North Queenslander has been given the green light to run out with his number 23 Guernsey against the Navy Blues at Metricon Stadium.

Starting at Full Forward alongside Campbell Brown and Sam Day, Dixons inclusion will provide a handy target and another strong body around goals. 

General Manager of Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft told goldcoastfc.com.au Dixon’s inclusion would give the Gold Coasters a significant boost saying Dixon is a key player capable of taking strong contested marks and finishing opportunities  created by his team mates.

“Charlie made a solid return to competitive football against the Sydney Swans reserves last weekend, and after a strong week on the training track, has earned his spot in the senior team this week,” Ashcroft said.

“Earlier in the season Charlie was playing an instrumental role for the team and we are really pleased that he has overcome his injury and will be fit for Saturday's match.”

Project ruck/forward Josh Hall has been omitted to make way for Dixon and returns to the NEAFL side for their match against the UWS Giants., 

“Josh Hall has given us a lively spark around our forward structures, and shown signs he’s capable of matching it at the AFL level,” Ashcroft said.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen consistently throughout this year’s 2013 campaign that player continually have to perform to keep their spot in the side.”

“We have every confidence that Josh will come back hungrier than ever when he returns to the Premiership action.”

Jarrod Harbrow will return to the midfield after a polished performance across half-back against the Magpies, while Harley Bennell will also start in the thick of the action with the Rising Star named on the opposite wing. 

ROUND 18 AFL Premiership Senior Team
B: T. McKenzie, S. May, S. Tape
HB: G. Broughton, R. Thompson, L. Russell
C: H. Bennell, G. Ablett, J. Harbrow
HF: A. Boston, J. Brennan, A. Hall
F: C. Brown, C. Dixon, S. Day
R: T. Nicholls, D. Stanley, J. O’Meara

INT: D. Prestia, M. Weller, M. Shaw, A. Sexton

Emergencies: J. Gillbee, T. Sumner, J. Hall

In: Dixon

Out: J. Hall