Jack set to flash back
DEFENDER Jack Leslie could be a surprise starter for the Gold Coast Suns against AFL premiers Western Bulldogs this weekend.
Originally thought likely to be sidelined indefinitely after a lower leg injury in the NEAFL last weekend, Leslie has made a surprising recovery to be in line for selection against the Bulldogs in Cairns on Saturday.
A fit and firing Leslie would be a welcome addition at the back for the Suns after losing co-captain Steven May (hamstring) for the clash at Cazalys Stadium.
Coach Rodney Eade yesterday said Leslie “is a chance to play” in May’s place as the second tall defender alongside Rory Thompson. “He has the (medical) all-clear, there’s no break or anything,” Eade said.
“He has given a ligament a bit of a tweak high above the ankle but not the ankle itself and it looks like he is a chance.
“Hopefully he’ll train (today) and we may give him until Friday so we’ll probably name him.
“He has improved greatly each day. He was walking around on Tuesday and was in for more treatment yesterday which will give him a positive feel.
“He’ll run (today) for the first time. I’d say he’s a chance to play, which would be a bonus for us.”
Should Leslie come through the week all right it will be only his 13th appearance in the AFL since making his debut in 2014.
Now 22, Leslie was drafted by the Suns from Gippsland under-18s with 20th pick overall at the national AFL draft in 2013.
He has since played only 12 games, mainly because of hamstring and ankle problems.
Eade revealed the Suns selectors had spoken about elevating Palm Beach-Currumbin junior product Max Spencer from the rookie list as an option for a tallish defender.
But a Spencer AFL debut is unlikely to happen should Leslie be ruled fit.
“I will say, though, that Max is a chance to play (AFL) before the end of the year,” Eade said.
The coach said that aside from May and midfielder Jarrod Lyons (ankle) there were no other injury concerns to come from the loss to Collingwood at Metricon Stadium last weekend.