Injury curse starting to subside with four first choice players returning to face Carlton

A quick glance at this week’s personnel changes tells you all you need to know: the worst of the injury curse is well and truly behind the Gold Coast SUNS. Four players return from injury in Steven May, Harley Bennell, Sam Day and Alex Sexton. All four players were part of Rodney Eade’s round one side, with the first three having a decent level of experience - at least in relation to this club. And whilst the absence of Gary Ablett’s name from the team sheet on Thursday night spun the football world in to a mild state of hysteria, the reality is he may only be a week away from returning. David Swallow is another A Grade midfielder who is not far away from returning, with the pair’s impending return set to strengthen the SUNS' midfield stocks.

New coach, new Blues

In the last three weeks, Carlton has transformed their game under interim coach John Barker. They are playing a completely different brand to the one they produced in the first eight weeks, with the Blues playing with a ferocity and desire to hunt, chase and tackle opposition ball carriers. A cloud of uncertainty and restriction appears to have evaporated from above Princes Park in the last month. Under the watchful eye of Barker, Carlton is playing with freedom – they are getting their hands on the ball far more and maintaining possession. In the last three weeks they have averaged 370.7 possessions (ranked 4th in the competition), compared to an average of 332.5 possessions (ranked 16th) during rounds 1-8. Carlton’s mark, play on percentage has risen from 34.2% (ranked 9th) to 39.3% (ranked 3rd) in the same period of time.

At the halfway mark, the Rising Star race looms as one of the best ever

The race for the Rising Star award has rarely been so tightly fought and with such a diverse group of players. Carlton’s Patrick Cripps is the leader of the field as we turn onto the back nine, with one bookmaker offering just $1.80 for him. His game breaking performance against Port Adelaide led the Blues to victory last weekend, with the inside midfielder stepping up in the absence of Chris Judd. The conversation for the games most prestigious young prize has focused on midfielders Cripps and Angus Brayshaw, as well as key position prospects Jesse Hogan and Cameron McCarthy. One player that hasn’t quite earned the plaudits he deserves down south is Adam Saad. The mature-aged rookie has burst onto the scene since debuting in round one. He has captivated football fans across the country, tantalising them with his tenacious runs and constantly leaving them wanting more. There is no disputing the fact Cripps' statistics are elite. He is averaging 23 possessions, 14.1 contested possessions, six clearances and 5.6 tackles. But, Saad’s are right up there too – 19.1 disposals at 81.2 per cent efficiency and 3.7 rebound 50s.

Malceski last week, May this week, back six beginning to look stronger by the week

At the height of the injury calamity, the midfield department was on its knees, and the back six was severely light on for experience. Both areas of the ground are starting to get some soldiers reporting back for duty, particularly in defence where the return of Steven May and Nick Malceski has shored up a youthful back six. The return of versatile key position player Sam Day is also important as he can fill a role at either end of the ground. Against Fremantle before the bye, Malceski returned ahead of schedule out of necessity, but he pulled up well from the unexpected game time. Trent McKenzie’s job on Matthew Pavlich was lauded afterwards, so if he is able to find consistency, the back six looks far stronger than it did only a handful of weeks ago. Saad and Kade Kolodjashnij have partnered well throughout the campaign, building a fluent relationship to setup attack from deep in defence. Suddenly, the backline appears in good shape, ready to combat a Carlton arsenal consisting of Lachie Henderson, Levi Casboult and Troy Menzel.

Bennell return set to add class to midfield division

Gallant losses to Hawthorn, Sydney and Fremantle prior to the bye were more impressive given the gulf in experience and class in the middle of the ground. All three opponents lay claims to having the best midfield departments in the competition, with their raw talent and depth bordering on embarrassing. Despite the clear personnel differential, Rodney Eade’s side stuck to a plan and fought bravely against their more fancied rivals. The decisive factor to come out of the three games was the SUNS' inability to spread from the contest. With so much class and leg speed absent during that period, Gold Coast was found out on transition with the Hawks, Swans and Dockers able to burst away from stoppages. With Harley Bennell returning, the SUNS will be hoping the classy midfielder will be able to break the game open under the lid at Etihad Stadium with his run and carry. Bennell has missed the last fortnight with a calf injury, but showed glimpses of brilliance in the opening two months of the year. Although, he will be searching for more consistency in the back half of 2015.