Pearce Hanley will make a highly-anticipated return to the senior team in Saturday’s clash against Melbourne in Alice Springs on Saturday afternoon.
The line-breaking wingman makes his long-awaited comeback, following what has been a difficult start at his new home in the AFL.
"Pearce Hanley’s missed a lot of footy, hasn’t played since round one,” GM- Football Operations Marcus Ashcroft told goldcoastfc.com.au.
"He’s been back and engaged with his teammates for a long period now, trained really well and we think he’ll play a valuable role on Saturday."
In further positive news, David Swallow is a confirmed starter for Gold Coast after being ruled out of the side’s round eight fixture against Port Adelaide in Shanghai.
"David Swallow is a huge barometer for our team and has played really well this year when he has had a chance to do that," Ashcroft said.
"We welcome him back, we know his on-field leadership is invaluable but the way he goes about it is really valuable for our team."
As revealed by goldcoastfc.com.au earlier on Thursday, draftee Will Brodie is set to make his maiden appearance for the Gold Coast SUNS, following a string of consistent performances with the NEAFL team.
"[He’s] been playing exceptionally well in the lower level, gets a chance to play his first game for the club and in the AFL,” Ashcroft said.
Senior Coach Rodney Eade echoed Ashcroft in his press conference on Thursday.
“... He's a real bull at the contest, he's a great contested player,” Eade said.
"As a midfielder he's been playing very well in the NEAFL."
Meanwhile, Gary Ablett has been ruled out with a shoulder complaint and won’t board the flight on route to the Northern Territory, as reported by the club on Thursday afternoon.
Round 8 AFL Premiership Team
B: J.Joyce, J. Leslie, J.Harbrow
HB: S. Lemmens, S. May, A. Saad
C: A. Sexton, W. Brodie, D. Swallow
HF: J. Lyons, T. Lynch, T. Miller
F: B. Matera, P. Wright, J. Martin
FOLL: J. Witts, A. Hall, M. Barlow
INT: P. Hanley, B. Fiorini, K. Kolodjashnij, B. Scheer.
IN: P. Hanley, D. Swallow, W. Brodie
OUT: G. Ablett (shoulder), K. Brooksby (omitted), J. Bowes (illness)
