On the eve of the home and away season, it's time to take out your diary and pencil in some significant milestones that are on the horizon this season. The Gold Coast SUNS enter their fifth season in the AFL and could see the first player reach the 100 game milestone at the club during 2015.
Career:
200 Games
Michael Rischitelli
Current Games Tally: 178
Milestone Due Date: Round 23 v Sydney at the SCG
One of the SUNS most experienced statesmen is on track to reach the milestone in the final round of the home and away season. After playing the first portion of his career at Brisbane, Rischitelli endured two injury ravaged seasons at Metricon Stadium. The 29-year-old played 21 games in 2014 to finally put to bed nagging injury concerns and in the absence of captain Gary Ablett in the second half of last year, Rischitelli’s leadership was crucial in helping prepare Gold Coast for the 2015 campaign.
150 Games
Jarrod Harbrow
Current Games Tally: 148
Milestone Due Date: Round 2 v St Kilda at Metricon Stadium
The former Western Bulldogs dashing left-footer is poised to reach this milestone in round two in the opening home game of the season. Harbrow has crafted an impressive pre-season, with his leadership exploits lauded by Rodney Eade and formally recognised in the AFL Indigenous All Stars camp. The 26-year-old is the games record holder at the SUNS and is also on track to be the first player to represent the club on 100 occasions.
100 Games
Danny Stanley
Current Games Tally: 80
Milestone Due Date: Round 21 v Essendon at Metricon Stadium
Stanley joined the SUNS for the VFL season in 2010 and has become a part of the furniture at Carrara ever since. After being delisted by Collingwood at the end of 2009, Stanley has established himself as a dependable utility capable of playing a variety of roles across the ground. The 27-year-old has been earmarked for a position across half-forward in 2015 following a pre-season spent training with the forwards. Stanley’s career looked to be on the brink after battling to get an opportunity at the Magpies, but he has seized every chance at the SUNS and remains in the hunt to be the first player to represent Gold Coast in 100 games.
Club:
100 Games
Jarrod Harbrow
Milestone Due Date: Round 23 v Sydney at the SCG
50 Games
Charlie Dixon
Milestone Due Date: Early rounds of the season
Injuries have prevented Dixon from reaching this milestone previously with the key forward set to join a growing group of SUNS players to notch up the half-ton. Dixon requires one more appearance to join the 50-game club, but may be forced to wait a little longer as he is on the comeback from post-season ankle surgery.
Aaron Hall
Milestone Due Date: Round 4 v Greater Western Sydney at StarTrack Oval
The Tasmanian livewire small forward has carved out a reputation as an opportunity creating spark in attack. Hall is coming off post season groin surgery, but is set to feature in the NAB Challenge series ahead of the season proper.
Jaeger O’Meara
Milestone Due Date: Round 6 v Adelaide at Metricon Stadium
O’Meara is one of the games best young midfielders and has not missed a game since his debut in round one of 2013. The 21-year-old had post-season surgery to shave off some of the bone on both of his kneecaps, but is at the back end of his rehabilitation and on track to play in round one.
Seb Tape
Milestone Due Date: Round 18 v West Coast at Metricon Stadium
The fearless key defender will be looking to bounce back from a frustrating 2014 which saw him only register three senior games. Tape’s hunger during the pre season has been noted with the South Australian determined to secure a permanent spot in the SUNS back six.
Most games played for the club:
Jarrod Harbow – 78
Gary Ablett & Trent McKenzie – 76
Danny Stanley – 75
Dion Prestia & David Swallow – 73
Matt Shaw – 72
