Competition for spots in Gold Coast’s senior team is intensifying, with a host of players banging on the door through strong performances in the NEAFL.
With no forced changes set to be made, Rodney Eade will have some decisions to make at selection this week, particularly in regards to Charlie Dixon and whether or not he has played enough football to warrant senior selection.
NEAFL Match Report: Gutsy SUNS fall short to Aspley
A Dixon-Tom Lynch pairing is a tantalising proposition for a side that is yet to register a win in 2015.
Tom Nicholls (30 hitouts, 19 possessions, 6 clearances & 6 marks)
The athletic ruckman has compiled a strong case for senior selection after a series of dominant performances in the NEAFL. He was again one of the reserves’ best in their loss to Aspley with his deft tap work providing the midfield with first use of the ball around the stoppages.
Luke Russell (28 possessions, 10 inside 50s & 4 clearances)
Untimely illness and injury interrupted Russell’s pre-season campaign and NAB Challenge series, but he got his hands on the ball on the weekend and was damaging going forward. He didn’t play round one in the reserves so may need more game time before being considered for senior selection.
Mitch Hallahan
The inside midfielder is available for selection this weekend after overcoming a rib injury he suffered late in the round two loss to St Kilda. Competition for spots in the midfield is fierce at the moment so it will be interesting to see whether the former Hawk comes straight back in or not.
Charlie Dixon (3 goals, 9 possessions & 3 marks)
The spearhead played close to 80 minutes in his first appearance of the year after ankle surgery a couple of months ago hindered his pre-season campaign. He provided a strong target in the NEAFL and could come into the selection discussion this week to support Tom Lynch in the seniors.
Greg Broughton
An ankle injury sidelined the dour defender last weekend, but if he gets through the main training session on Thursday morning then he will be deemed available for selection this weekend.
Alex Sexton
After missing the trip down to Geelong due to suspension, the utility is likely to come straight back into the senior team after a strong pre-season and some solid form in the opening two games of the season.
Jesse Lonergan (25 possessions, 5 marks & 3 tackles)
The big bodied midfielder was named as an emergency for the seniors last weekend and could come under consideration again this week on the back of another impressive performance in the NEAFL.
Henry Schade (19 possessions, 7 marks & 6 rebound 50s)
Another player who was an emergency last weekend, Schade has continued his strong start to the year with a quality performance in the reserves. Gathering momentum by the week to highlight the clubs depth in the defensive key posts.
