Returning stars raise Suns’ hopes for Swans
THE cavalry could be arriving in time to save the Gold Coast Suns from the wooden spoon.
Suns coach Stuart Dew revealed he would consider injecting some experience back into his side for this week’s Round 18 game against Sydney after the successful return of Pearce Hanley, Michael Barlow and Brayden Fiorini in the NEAFL.
It comes after a second-half fadeout on Saturday led to Gold Coast’s 13.17 (95) to 6.15 (51) loss to Essendon in front of 13,061 at Metricon Stadium.
Dew said all three would be considered at the selection table after just one game back following lengthy breaks due to injury.
“We will have to have a look,” Dew said following the reserves’ 10.10 (70) to 8.20 (68) win over GWS in Sydney on Saturday.
“Barlow, Fiorini and Hanley all played plus-95 minutes so they had a really good hit-out against a strong GWS team.
“We will have to have a look. I’d love to have a look at the tape and see how they moved.
“Obviously you can’t bring all of those back in because they have missed some significant time.
“There are some other guys putting their hand up in the NEAFL as well which is good.
“It’s going to be interesting at selection this week.
“We couldn’t change much with the NEAFL bye (the week earlier) but we will have some options this week.” Hanley hasn’t played since Round 3 due to a shoulder injury while Fiorini hasn’t featured at AFL level since Round 6 as he makes his way back following a leg injury.
Michael Barlow, who also hasn’t played AFL footy since Round 6, broke his jaw at the end of May.
The potential inclusion of Hanley is of particular interest to Dew who said the Irishman would provide a touch of class in the Suns backline.
“We would love to have him back in the side for his leadership but also his ball use and creativity,” Dew said. –