SUNS Goal sneak Brandon Matera will be thrown into the SCG action from the opening bounce following a superb late-game performance for the GC SUNS as a substitute in their 13-point victory over St. Kilda.
The talented 21-year-old was amongst the GC SUNS shining lights in the thrilling final term, providing strong run and carry across the midfielder after replacing Karmichael Hunt in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Jack Hutchins has been elevated to the senior team after being named as an emergency in the season opener, and is expected to receive the tough job of limiting the impact Swan’s premiership players Kieran Jack and Ryan O’Keefe.
The 191cm key defender will replace experienced campaigner Greg Broughton across half-back, who will not line-up against the Swans at the SCG on Saturday night.
GC SUNS Football Operations Manager – Marcus Ashcroft, updated goldcoastfc.com.au about the extent of the injury.
"Greg injured his calf at training during the week and despite the injury only being minor, it will keep him out of Saturday’s match against Sydney,” said Ashcroft.
“However we envisage that he will be fit and available for selection next week."
The 26-year-old was a stand-out in his debut match for the Gold Coast SUNS, and collected three Club Championship points after minimising the impact of elite small-forward Stephen Milne.
ROUND 2 AFL Premiership Senior Team
B: J. Wilkinson, M. Warnock, T. Murphy
HB: D. Prestia, R. Thompson, J. Hutchins
C: M. Rischitelli, G. Ablett, J. Harbrow
HF: H. Bennell, C. Dixon, A. Hall
F: L. Russell, S. Day, S. May
R: Z. Smith, K. Hunt, D. Swallow
INT: B. Matera, J. O’Meara, J. Brennan, M. Shaw
EMERGENCIES: K. Horsley, D. Gorringe, J. Allen
In: J.Hutchins,
Out: G.Broughton (Calf)
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