AXED LYONS IN LINE FOR YET ANOTHER RECALL
SUNS coach Stuart Dew says Jarryd Lyons will be in line for senior recall this week after being dropped for the second time this season.
Gold Coast’s most prolific ball user was axed ahead of the side’s 96-point loss to Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday in another blow for the midfielder who has struggled at times to make an impact in Dew’s first season at Gold Coast.
Lyons averages the most disposals at the Suns (24.9) but Dew revealed he was concerned the 26-year-old could have been exposed on the large deck at the home of football against a fastmoving Demons team who have scored more points than any other side in the AFL this season.
“We spoke to (Lyons) about his ability to cover the ground out on a big deck,” Dew said.
“He got a fair few touches last week (29 disposals against Carlton) but then it’s what’s next and also in transition, making sure he can play his role in that.
“We gave him good clarity for that and he will be up for selection again.”
Gold Coast will play Richmond at Metricon Stadium on Saturday in the first of back-to-back matches at their home ground. Dew also gave an insight into forgotten Sun Michael Barlow who has played just one AFL game this season, in Round 6 against Adelaide, despite consistently being the best reserves player.
“We see him as an inside midfielder,” Dew said.
“I think that’s where he plays his best footy. (For Sunday’s) game we went with (Touk) Miller, (Jesse) Lonergan and (Will) Brodie.”