Gold Coast SUNS ball magnet Dion Prestia headlines a strong squad selected to tackle Southport Sharks in Saturday’s NEAFL practice match at Metricon Stadium. The midfielder returns to action after a frustrating pre-season interrupted by a lingering hamstring complaint.
Steven May will also play his first game of the pre-season following minor knee surgery in late January to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee. Aaron Hall joins the influx of names to return to action following the completion of his rehabilitation following post-season groin surgery.
After being rested from last weekend’s NAB Challenge fixture against Greater Western Sydney, experienced pair Jarrod Harbrow and Michael Rischitelli will get another opportunity to get some minutes in their legs ahead of the home and away season.
Off-season recruiting coup Mitch Hallahan has been named to play his second game of the pre-season after his impressive start against Geelong in Townsville a fortnight ago. The former Hawthorn stoppage specialist was one of the SUNS' standouts in the opening NAB Challenge game, putting his hand up for a spot in Rodney Eade’s round one side.
Draftees Jarrod Garlett and Touk Miller have shown glimpses of their potential in the opening two NAB Challenge games. Both will play their third game of the pre-season against the Sharks as they strive for a berth against Melbourne.
Another post-season recruit, Tyrone Downie, gets his first opportunity in SUNS colours. The 26-year-old was plucked from Bendigo Gold in the VFL at December’s Rookie Draft, but since his arrival he has endured a frustrating start to his career in Carrara due to a persistent knee complaint.
Jack Leslie has been one of the more impressive performers of the NAB Challenge series after performing strongly against Geelong’s Tom Hawkins and Greater Western Sydney’s Jeremy Cameron. The key defender won’t get an opponent of that quality this weekend, but will get another chance to mount his case for a round one selection.
Rebounding defenders Trent McKenzie and Kade Kolodjashnij will also be a part of a strong back six that will feature May, Harbrow and the reliable Greg Broughton.
Squad v Southport:
5. Jarrod Harbrow
6. Alex Sexton
10. Dion Prestia
13. Andrew Boston
14. Mitch Hallahan
15. Daniel Gorringe
17. Steven May
18. Trent McKenzie
21. Jack Leslie
22. Tom Nicholls
26. Matthew Shaw
28. Kade Kolodjashnij
31. Keegan Brooksby
32. Brandon Matera
33. Aaron Hall
34. Josh Glenn
35. Michael Rischitelli
36. Greg Broughton
38. Tyrone Downie
39. Louis Herbert
41. Jarrod Garlett
43. Jarred Ellis
44. Touk Miller
46. Josh Hall
48. Seb Tape
This match will be an open event for SUNS members & fans to attend. Gate 3 will be open from 9:45am, in preparation for a 10:00am centre bounce.
