With Tom Murphy sidelined for a week through suspension and Kade Kolodjashnij ruled out with a hamstring strain, senior coach Guy McKenna is set to make at least two forced changes for Saturday’s QClash.
In what shapes as one of the team’s most important games for the season, Gold Coast will be hungry to get back on the winners board and steer their ambitious finals campaign back on track with a strong performance over Brisbane at the Gabba this weekend.
While the side’s key position posts remain intact, the withdrawals of Murphy and Kolodjashnij have paved the way for two emerging players to step up and seize AFL opportunities.
Swingman Luke Russell has worked hard to put himself back in senior contention, with the in-form NEAFL player coming off a best-on-ground performance for Josh Fraser in the reserves.
The Tasmanian produced a 28-possession, five-mark performance against UWS in the seconds’ most recent performance, displaying a thirst to return to the top level.
Russell has appeared in 12 of the SUNS’ possible 16 matches this season, and could play a valuable role for McKenna if selected.
Project defender Henry Schade has also continued to show promise as a key position prospect, impressing development staff with his ability to lock down opposition forwards and impact the play in attack when pushed further up the ground.
Athletic ruckman Daniel Gorringe turned in a solid return to football following a length lay-off following mid-season surgery on a troublesome Achilles.
Jackson Allen and robust utility Jack Hutchins have competed manfully in recent weeks, while Clay Cameron’s efforts in defence against the Giants reserves, which included seven marks, would not have gone unnoticed by the club.
All remain in the mix for senior selection, and will be looking to stake their claims in coming weeks.
