Barlow remains in mix at senior level
SUNS NEAFL coach Nick Malceski says midfield veteran Michael Barlow remains a critical cog in Stuart Dew’s AFL plans despite being unsighted at senior level this year.
Barlow has been plunged into a battle to reclaim his spot in Gold Coast’s best 22 in Dew’s first year at the club. The 30-year-old was a walk up start in his maiden season at the Suns in 2017, playing in all of the first 13 games under Rodney Eade before breaking his leg against Carlton.
Barlow didn’t play in any of the JLT Community Series and hasn’t featured in the opening three rounds.
Malceski backed the former Fremantle Docker, who has played 138 AFL games, to work his way back into the side if he continued to be consistent and show the strength of character that’s earned him the respect
“The guys in there at the moment are going really well and had good pre-seasons,” Malceski said.
“For Mick it’s just being consistent at NEAFL level which I and Dewy have spoken to him about.
“He has got to stay consistent and really drive standards. We have a really young group in the NEAFL so his leadership and attitude have been outstanding. He hasn’t dropped his lip or anything.”