The taste of Premiership footy doesn’t get much sweeter for elevated-rookie Josh Hall, with the North Queenslander set to make his first AFL appearance for 2013 in front of family and friends when the Gold Coasters take on Richmond at Cazaly’s Stadium this weekend.
A superb month of consistent football under Shaun Hart has seen the 197cm freakishly-talented athlete on the brink of senior selection for successive weeks, and with Daniel Gorringe ruled out of action with a shoulder injury the 23-year-old Hall has earned another shot at the big time.
Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au after finding out he’d be starting in front of goals as Full-Forward alongside Campbell Brown and Luke Russell, an excited Hall said he was over the moon to be given the first team call-up.
“I’ve been given the call-up which is just unreal,” he said.
“Bluey (McKenna) gave me an impression on Monday that I was a really good chance for this week after saying I might be helping Tommy Nicholls in the ruck.
“He was able to confirm it yesterday and I eventually got round to telling the family and so they’ll all be heading up for the match.”
The former Australian high-jumper is hoping his stand-out performances through the NEAFL will give him every opportunity to cement his spot around goals, as the Gold Coasters look towards finishing the back-end of the Premiership Season in strong fashion.
“Hopefully I can continue my good form in the NEAFL and transfer it into the seniors,” said Hall.
“Obviously the goal for me is to stay in the seniors for as long as possible and play as many games as I can.
“If I can play for role and work alongside the team, hopefully I can be there for a while.”
And GC SUNS General Manager of Football Operations – Marcus Ashcroft is excited to see what Hall can produce; telling goldcoastfc.com.au the energetic Gold Coaster has what it takes to stamp his mark as a solid AFL player.
“We’re trying to find the best mix up forward because Charlie Dixon and Tom Lynch has been out,” Ashcroft said.
“We’re trying to get the best mix of players up forward to help kick the winning score, so Josh comes in to provide another tall target for us.”
The NEAFL star forward made his debut match against the Tigers last year, showing he belonged at the elite level after kicking two goals in the team’s historic two-point after-the-siren victory.
Hall is hoping lightning can strike twice for the Gold Coasters, but knows it won’t be easy this time around with big men Zac Smith and Charlie Dixon succumbing to injury.
“We might not be a full strength side but the boys are really keen to put it to them and we’re confident we can get the win up there,” he said.
“It’s certainly shaping up as a good game.”
