Consistent performances through the NEAFL, and a injury to defender Trent McKenzie, have seasoned veteran Tom Murphy in the frame for round 17 selection.

The experienced campaigner has been a steadying influence in an often under siege reserves back-half this season, with the Gold Coast seconds having conceded an average of 23 goals in their last five matches.

The team’s ability to compete has been made all the more harder, with SUNS NEAFL coach Josh Fraser often fielding a squad of 22 topped up with underage players and GC SUNS Academy talent.

But throughout it all, Murphy has been a beacon in the backline for the development mentor, as he displayed in his most recent performance against Southport Sharks in last weekend’s curtain-raiser.

The former Hawk had a total of 22 possessions and seven marks; only Luke Russell had more touches.

“He started forward but eventually made the switch down back, and competed hard in the contest, as he has most weeks,” Fraser said.

“He came through with a four-quarter performance, and really worked hard to help out his teammates in defence.”

Murphy has shown throughout his ten-year career in the AFL he is more than capable of playing a key role in defence, and could be a suitable replacement for McKenzie should the superboot fail to be passed fit from his hamstring injury ahead of Saturday’s match against the Western Bulldogs in Cairns.

He has had to wait patiently for more than four months, but Fraser is confident Murphy will be ready to make the most of a senior opportunity should he be called upon by Guy McKenna.

“Tom has been one of our regular contributors in recent weeks, and I’m sure if the opportunity came, he would be ready to seize it with both hands.”