Image: GC SUNS debutants
Gold Coast SUNS have named its historic first ever AFL team, with Gary Ablett to captain a side containing all eight of the GC SUNS prized uncontracted player signings.
Ablett, Jared Brennan, Campbell Brown and Nathan Bock have all battled injuries of varying severity over the pre-season, but will take their places in the inaugural team along with Josh Fraser, Jarrod Harbrow, Michael Rischitelli and Nathan Krakouer.
Former Kangaroo Daniel Harris and ex-Magpie Danny Stanley will resume their stalled AFL careers, but the club's remaining players with AFL experience, Nathan Ablett and Sam Iles, were not selected.
David Swallow, the No.1 pick at the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, has been named alongside Ablett, with Harley Bennell, who was taken second, starting on the bench. Gold Coast SUNS third overall pick, key forward prospect Sam Day, did not make the cut.
Rugby league convert Karmichael Hunt has beaten highly-rated defender Michael Coad for the centre half-back post, with Coad an emergency along with Daniel Gorringe and Maverick Weller.
The two key forward spots will be held down by youngsters Charlie Dixon and Zac Smith, while recently elevated rookie Alik Magin goes straight into the side on a half-forward flank.
Gold Coast SUNS first AFL team:
B: Seb Tape, Nathan Bock, Campbell Brown
HB: Jarrod Harbrow, Karmichael Hunt, Nathan Krakouer
C: Trent McKenzie, Daniel Harris, Michael Rischitelli
HF: Danny Stanley, Charlie Dixon, Alik Magin
F: Jared Brennan, Zac Smith, Brandon Matera
Foll: Josh Fraser, David Swallow, Gary Ablett
Int: Marc Lock, Harley Bennell, Dion Prestia, Josh Toy
EMG: Maverick Weller, Daniel Gorringe, Michael Coad
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