He has had to wait more than five months for his opportunity in the AFL, but a late withdrawal from Daniel Gorringe will see Jack Leslie become the latest debutant for the Gold Coast SUNS.

The end-of-first round selection from the 2013 National Draft replaces Gorringe in the 22, with the athletic ruckman failing to overcome a knee injury sustained from the side’s match against Port Adelaide.

Leslie will become the sixth player to debutant for the SUNS this season.

General Manager of Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, confirmed the final change to goldcoastfc.com.au ahead of Saturday’s match against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

“Jack comes into the team as a late inclusion for Daniel Gorringe, who has failed to recover from a knee complaint this week.

A strong and combative defender recruited from Gippsland Power, GC SUNS List & Strategy Manager, Scott Clayton was thrilled to have secured the promising long-term key position prospect last November.

“We think Jack is a future tall defender, and when you find them you have to take them,” Clayton said at the time.

“We really like his attributes; he’s a grunt, aggressive defender and is unbelievably quick.

Ashcroft echoed Clayton’s sentiments on Saturday afternoon.

“He is a tall key position player, he has played as key forward, defender and ruckman at stages throughout the year for our NEAFL team and will more than likely play those roles for is today.”