Hanley’s experience a welcome Suns boost

PEARCE Hanley’s long-awaited return to the AFL looks to be over.

The Suns half-back has been named in the squad for Sunday’s Round 20 clash with Melbourne in what would be his first senior game since dislocating his shoulder for a second time this year against Fremantle in Round 3.

Suns football manager Jon Haines said the leadership of Hanley (pictured) would be a welcome boost for a young Gold Coast outfit.

“Pearce is not only a leader in terms of being in the leadership group, but his on-field leadership and the way he conducts himself around the club is tremendous,” Haines said.

“He has got some real natural leadership traits. We have seen over the last three to four months in particular that leadership go to another level.

“He is highly invested in what we are doing and highly invested in helping the young players.

“It’s really pleasing he is back with the main group.”

Hanley will be joined in the 26-man squad by Callum Ah Chee, Max Spencer, Jack Leslie, Michael Barlow, Jacob Dawson, Ben Ainsworth.

David Swallow (injured), Rory Thompson (injured) and Steven May (suspension) won’t make the trip south.

Meanwhile, Tom Nicholls and Darcy Macpherson both joined the main group at training yesterday for the first time since their respective injuries. Nicholls is recovering from a shoulder injury while Macpherson is working his way back from a lower leg fracture.