Hanley set for new role

ROOKIE Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew says he’ll look to employ veteran Pearce Hanley through the midfield this season as he makes good strides in his comeback from injury.

The Gaelic import broke his hand in November’s AFL international series opener in Adelaide against Australia, instilling fears he wouldn’t be ready to go for Round 1.

But Dew said the former Brisbane Lions mainstay was ready to return before Christmas, with the club taking the safe option and reintroducing him following the break.