FIRST-GAMER IMPRESSES TEAMMATES TO THE MAX
THE Suns have unearthed another AFL talent amid the current injury turmoil in upgraded rookie Max Spencer.
Spencer defied the odds to lead a strong Gold Coast backline resistance in his debut against Richmond on Saturday to ensure a place in Round 20 against Fremantle despite the likely return of co-captain Steven May.
Pearce Hanley was Gold Coast’s best player in the 33point loss at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, recording 31 disposals from halfback, but the Irishman saved his praise for 19-year-old Spencer.
“Max Spencer grabbed his opportunity,” Hanley said.
“I was super impressed and it’s looking good for the future. It was a courageous effort and the boys stuck at it. A few fellas down back were under a lot of pressure but they held up. I thought it was a great performance.”
Spencer gave up a lot of size to Tigers forward Toby Nankervis (three goals) but the Palm Beach Currumbin product wasn’t intimidated and grew in confidence.
It came a week after draftee Jack Scrimshaw made his AFL debut and Hanley said the promise of youngsters was a positive sign amid another season without finals.
“We are not playing finals this year but we are trying to build a brand and style of football we want to play going forward,” Hanley said.
“To expose those younger boys early and give them a taste going in to next year holds them in good stead.”
Suns coach Rodney Eade was so impressed by Spencer’s first game he declared him a starter for Saturday’s match at Domain Stadium.
“I was very pleased with Max,” Eade said.
“He was our tallest defender and he is very slight. He was very brave in leaving his post to support his mates.
“He was running 30 to 40m at times to affect a spoil on a another contest.
“His starting positions were terrific. He is really one player that has progressed extremely well this year.
“He probably wouldn’t have got his chance unless we had all these injuries to our talls but I think he grabbed his opportunity.
“Steven May could be back next week – (Spencer) will still stay in.
“He is really a third tall defender so he was thrust into being the main tall (against Richmond) but I thought he did a good job.”