One of the most anticipated match-ups at Saturday morning’s intraclub match was the ruck battle between Tom Nicholls and Dan Currie, with both men vying for the number one ruck position in Rodney Eade’s side.

The fierce contest certainly didn’t disappoint, with Currie taking the early honours before Nicholls really got himself into the game. The result: a very even battle with the pair ultimately sharing the chocolates according to goldcoastfc.com.au.

Despite being on the losing Gold Coast White team, the former North Melbourne ruckman was happy to get through the game unscathed.

“It was good to get a run around with the boys finally after a few months of slugging it out in pre-season, it’s always good to get some genuine game time in,” Currie told SUNS TV at Gold Coast AFL Open Day.

“I felt like it was a pretty even battle (with Nicholls) across the day. Obviously the red team took the honours from a win point of view, they punished us on the turnovers a fair bit so that hurt us I think.”

READ: Nicholls: Currie competition a big benefit

Currie relished the opportunity to build synergy with some of the SUNS midfield brigade and looked comfortable alongside established midfielders Michael Rischitelli and Aaron Hall at the centre bounce.

One particularly impressive passage of play saw the 27-year-old deftly palm the ball to Hall, who burst through the midfield at speed to find Clay Cameron on the lead.

It’s vision that’s sure to excite SUNS fans with round one just 40 days away.

“The more and more games together, the more synergy and chemistry we can get with those midfielders,” Currie said.

“First one today but it’s good to get some under the belt and continue to build that relationship with the mids.”

The plan across the NAB Challenge series involves Currie trying to get as much game time as he possibly can as he looks to build his match-fitness and push for a round one berth against Essendon.

Senior coach Rodney Eade told reporters he was pleased with Currie’s performance in the intraclub match, indicating the title of ‘number one ruck’ was still up for grabs.

“He’s had a pretty good pre-season,” Eade said.

“He arrived with an injury or two so we looked after him until Christmas and put a good base work into him, but his work since Christmas has been terrific.

“He’s a good athlete, he can run, he can take a mark and he’s got nice skills so there’s going to be good competition for that spot.”