Gold Coast will welcome back Pearce Hanley after the Irishman has recovered quicker than expected from a dislocated shoulder.
He has been named on the interchange for Saturday’s clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
He comes into the team in place of Jack Bowes, who is serving a one-match suspension.
Hanley suffered the injury during Gold Coast’s JLT series match against Brisbane but trained strongly this week and did enough to convince the coaches that he is ready to play.
Senior coach Stuart Dew is thrilled to have the defender return ahead of schedule.
“Yeah he’s back, he’s recovered really well and ticked all boxes,” Dew told goldcoastfc.com.au.
“He brings leadership, some really good ball use and decision making so yeah, we’re loving having him back in the side.”
The SUNS will be looking to continue their strong form after starting the season with two consecutive wins.
Members and fans can catch all the behind-the-scenes actions across our social channels.
The game will be broadcast on Fox Footy and 7Mate.
Round 3 AFL Premiership Team v Fremantle
Saturday, April 7 at 2.35pm AWST
Optus Stadium
B: | 5. Jarrod Harbrow | 16. Rory Thompson | 38. Jesse Joyce |
HB: | 35. Michael Rischitelli | 17. Steven May | 10. Kade Kolodjashnij |
C: | 14. Lachie Weller | 25. Jarryd Lyons | 8. Brayden Fiorini |
HF: | 4. Jack Martin | 19. Tom Lynch | 15. Aaron Young |
F: | 9. Ben Ainsworth | 12. Sam Day | 6. Alex Sexton |
FOLL: | 28. Jarrod Witts | 11. Touk Miller | 24. David Swallow |
INT: | 39. Nick Holman | 1. Pearce Hanley | 44. Darcy Macpherson |
| 33. Aaron Hall |
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EMG: | 41. Will Brodie | 32. Brayden Crossley | 40. Jacob Heron |
| 3. Matt Rosa |
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