Another week, another midfield challenge for depleted SUNS engine room

A week after quelling one of the premier midfield divisions in the game, the Gold Coast SUNS depleted engine room will face another challenge in Brisbane at the Gabba. Despite only winning two games this season, the Lions midfield is their main asset. Dayne Beams’ season might be over after succumbing to a lingering shoulder issue, but with Tom Rockliff, Jack Redden, Dayne Zorko, Lewis Taylor and Pearce Hanley in there, Brisbane has some serious midfield class. The return of Michael Rischitelli will bolster an inexperienced onball brigade that was well led by Harley Bennell against West Coast, and strongly supported by Jesse Lonergan, Touk Miller and Aaron Hall. The challenge will be to replicate that effort and intensity for a second consecutive week. Something that has been an issue at different times this season.

Dixon and Lynch set for big QClash

In the most recent QClash, back in round five at Metricon Stadium, Charlie Dixon kick-started his season with a big bag of six on Darcy Gardiner. The young Lions defender isn’t there this weekend, with Dixon likely to draw experienced full back Daniel Merrett. Gold Coast’s focal point in attack has 32 goals for the season in his most prosperous season yet, despite ankle issues plaguing his year. He was well held by West Coast’s Will Schofield last weekend, but could trouble Merrett with his  speed off the mark. Tom Lynch was the hero last week. His big grab and goal on the siren to level the score was something out of a fairy tale. He will likely draw Justin Clarke or Marco Paparone at different stages and after kicking four in each of his last two outings, his form will be a major area of concern for Justin Leppitsch.

Brisbane's Martin another big test for Nicholls

In a tough season at Metricon Stadium, the rise of Tom Nicholls has been one of the good stories. Plagued by injury during his early years at Gold Coast, the 23-year-old ruckman has found continuity this season and his game has flourished. He played a patch of 12 games in a row before missing one week, he then returned last weekend to limit the usually influential Nic Naitanui. It was the second time this season Nicholls stifled the influence of the West Coast star – a man who can dictate play around stoppages. This weekend, Nicholls will face another challenge in Stefan Martin, who is as equally damaging at ground level as he is in the ruck. The former Melbourne utility has developed into one of the best ruckmen in the game in the last 18 months due to not only his ruck work, but also his ball winning ability. Martin averages more possessions than any other ruckman in the competition, and by some margin. At 20.1 possessions, Martin easily shades All Australian certainty Todd Goldstein who averages 15.0, and champion Aaron Sandilands at 11.9 per outing.

Martin and co bring back some much needed spark

The return of Adam Saad, Jarrod Harbrow and Jack Martin last weekend – and Harley Bennell the week earlier – has provided Gold Coast with some much needed spark. An inability to spread and stagnate ball movement has been two areas of concern throughout 2015, and whilst far from solved just yet, both areas have improved in the last couple of weeks. After missing six weeks due to a hamstring strain, Martin returned against the Eagles and demonstrated why he is so highly rated. His clean, precise hands and ferocious tackling was a feature. With five games remaining in 2015, it will be intriguing to see how Martin fairs in the final stanza of the season after injury has littered his year for a second consecutive season. Bennell’s team orientated role on Andrew Gaff drew praise from Rodney Eade in the wash up, and he may be called upon to perform similar roles in the final stages of this season.

Emerging stars on display at the Gabba

Saturday’s twilight fixture will feature a small handful of the game’s emerging stars in Adam Saad, Touk Miller and Harris Andrews. The trio have all earned Rising Star nominations this season, with the Brisbane tall defender receiving his this week following an eye-catching performance against Geelong last weekend. Saad and Miller have captivated fans all season long with their dramatic entrance to the AFL made more impressive due to a difficult year at the SUNS. After a three-game absence, Saad returned from a groin injury to show off his dash and potent left foot against the Eagles. Gold Coast are hopeful that Saad and Miller, who have both showed signs of fatigue, will get through to the finish line due to their importance in the side despite their inexperience. Miller continued his outstanding maiden season against West Coast, collecting 16 first half possessions to be one of the best players on the ground at the main break. He did slow down in the second half to finish with 21 possessions but his role early was pivotal. Brisbane’s Andrews has made drastic improvements by the week, to provide a beacon of hope for the future. His 12 mark, 22 possession effort against the Cats was right out of the top drawer.