Experienced wingman Matt Rosa is a welcome addition to Gold Coast’s round 18 side to face Fremantle on Saturday afternoon at Metricon Stadium.

The former Eagle has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury suffered early in the SUNS’ round 15 clash against St Kilda and will lead a very different midfield to the one that defeated the Saints on that day.

West Australian Josh Schoenfeld has been confirmed for an AFL debut and will line-up on a wing with the elite athlete looking to use his endurance and running ability to make an impact at the top level.

Unfortunately Gold Coast’s undermanned midfield has been dealt another big blow, with the prolific Aaron Hall ruled out of Saturday’s game with a hamstring.

Hall has been Gold Coast’s leading possession-getter in 2016, averaging 27.9 disposals per game, and his absence will be felt even more given the SUNS are already missing their five best midfielders.

Mitch Hallahan has been omitted from the senior side, meaning the likes of Jesse Lonergan, Touk Miller and Jack Martin will be required to step up inside the team’s engine room.


Round 18 AFL Premiership Team

B: N. Malceski, S. May, K. Kolodjashnij
HB: J. Harbrow, R. Thompson, A. Sexton
C: J. Schoenfeld, J. Lonergan, M. Shaw
HF: B. Matera, T. Lynch, J. Grant
F: S. Day, P. Wright, R. Davis
FOLL: T. Nicholls, J. Martin, T. Miller
INT: M. Rosa, C. Ah Chee, J. Joyce, J. Garlett

EMG: M. Hallahan, T. McKenzie, S. Tape

IN: M. Rosa, J. Schoenfeld
OUT: A. Hall (hamstring), M. Hallahan (omitted)