Despite the bleak state of affairs on-field and in the casualty ward, it’s not all doom and gloom at Metricon Stadium. A handful of proven players are putting their hand up for senior selection on the back of strong form in the NEAFL.
Dynamic small forward Brandon Matera has not featured in the opening two rounds after playing all three NAB Challenge matches. Whilst Trent McKenzie was omitted last week following his round one performance against the Demons. The pair were two of the reserves' prime movers against the UWS Giants on the weekend and could be in line for a recall to the senior outfit.
Aaron Hall crafted another strong showing in the reserves with SUNS reserves coach Josh Fraser labelling him as the best player for his side in the opening game of the season.
NEAFL Match Report: SUNS go down in round one to UWS Giants
Despite a disappointing round one loss to the University of Western Sydney Giants, Fraser spoke about the following players who might come into contention for senior selection this weekend.
Brandon Matera (19 possessions, 6 inside 50s, 4 tackles & 3 goals)
“Offensively we know that he’s really talented, but defensively again I thought he showed some signs that are really encouraging for senior football. His buy in and his leaderships been terrific. He was one of our better players.
Trent McKenzie (22 possessions, 5 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s & 5 clearances)
“Trent came back and similar buy in (to Matera), led well, and played a bit through the midfield. He gave us some really good drive through some clearances at times. He’s clearly a smart player, and a class player, he came back and he worked pretty hard.”
Tom Nicholls (28 hitouts, 13 possessions & 3 tackles)
“I thought Tommy was good, two weeks in a row. He was up against two pretty big ruckmen, but he shaded them in hitouts and took some nice contested marks around the ground and had an aggressive nature about the way he played. He was our captain on the day and I thought he played really well.”
Aaron Hall (31 possessions, 5 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 4 clearances & 2 goals)
“Probably our best player on the day. Mainly with ball in hand really damaging. I think he had five inside 50s and five rebound 50s, so he did his work at both ends. He just looked like whenever he had the ball in hand he just created something for us. He was impressive.”
Matt Shaw
After missing the St Kilda game due to a one-match sanction for an incident in round one, the wingman is likely to come straight back in to Rodney Eade’s side following a strong pre-season.
Danny Stanley
The reliable utility has been one of the SUNS most consistent performers in their short history. After playing the opening two NAB Challenge matches, Stanley strained his right quad and has been sidelined for the last month. It remains to be seen whether the match committee brings him straight back into the seniors, or whether he is forced to earn a spot in the reserves.
Andrew Raines (21 possessions, 7 clearances 5 inside 50s & 4 tackles)
The ultra-professional rookie has impressed in his first two appearances for the SUNS in the NEAFL following a return from a PCL injury. Raines combative style and appetite for the contest might elevate himself as a surprise selection in the coming weeks.
