“It’s what defeats do, it allows you to make changes.”

Gold Coast SUNS coach Guy McKenna didn’t mince his words in front of reporters today, giving a strong indication that Karmichael Hunt will make his long-awaited return to senior level against the Sydney Swans.

With defenders Trent McKenzie and Danny Stanley under injury clouds after sustaining respective shoulders injuries following the side’s loss to Adelaide, there is a good possibility changes to the Gold Coast lineup could be made ahead of Sunday’s clash.

The million-dollar question is this – who comes into the Gold Coast SUNS side to take on the red-hot Sydney Swans at Metricon Stadium this weekend?

#7 Karmichael Hunt

Hunt has been in stellar form in the NEAFL, with his most recent performance ending with 31 possessions, 11 clearances and six inside 50’s in what reserves coach Josh Fraser described as “his best game for us this year”.

Fitness has been the only concern around ‘K’ over the past few weeks, however the 27-year-old has assured coach Guy McKenna he’s fit and will be a strong chance to make his first appearance of 2014 on Sunday afternoon.

What they said…
“Given his hardness and his ability to stay strong over a contested footy, that's what finals games are won and lost on, and we're playing Sydney this weekend, so I'd give him a good chance.”
- GC SUNS Coach, Guy McKenna

#11 Harley Bennell

Harley Bennell was ruled out of the Indigenous Round clash against Adelaide with a corked calf with the club opting to take a conservative approach to managing the injury. The week off has aided Bennell’s recovery and the excitement machine is every chance to return to the senior team.

What they said…
“Provided he continues to improve this week we’re quietly confident he will be okay.”
- GC SUNS High Performance Manager, Stephen Schwerdt

#16 Rory Thompson

Thompson has now missed two matches with a wrist injury but the prospect of facing a Sydney forward line that features Buddy Franklin, Kurt Tippett and Sam Reid will bring the key defender into strong consideration this week.

What they said…
“We’ll have to wait and see with him too. He’s a chance but probably in the same basket as those other two (McKenzie and Stanley), I wouldn’t have thought we could take all three into the game.”
- GC SUNS Coach, Guy McKenna

#21 Jeremy Taylor

Taylor was again outstanding for the NEAFL SUNS, picking up 33 disposals, 11 marks and a goal against the Brisbane Lions last Saturday. The medium-sized defender could slot straight into the team if McKenzie and/or Stanley don’t get up for the game against the Swans.

What they said…
“’Jezza’ has been super; he covered 15km last weekend and continues to work hard. He found a great balance between his inside and outside work, going on to collect 33 touches. I thought it was one of his most complete games this year.”
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser

#29 Tom Murphy

Defender Tom Murphy has been a rock across half-back in the reserves in 2014 and it was the same story on Saturday against the Lions, collecting 17 disposals and doing a job on the opposition forwards.

What they said…
“Despite our backline having been under a fair bit of duress in recent weeks, Tom is competing hard and offensively doing everything we could ask of him from a team perspective. He is speeding up the ball and his voice and instruction to our emerging defenders has been terrific.”
- GC SUNS Reserves Coach, Josh Fraser

Jack Hutchins had 24 disposals, eight clearances and six rebound 50’s against the Lions reserves to also put his hand up for senior selection if the opportunity arises. Timmy Sumner kicked three goals for the NEAFL SUNS while regular defender Henry Schade added two goals and was named in the best players.

Who do you think should come into the team in Round 12?