Mature mix for Coast
THE relatively young age of the Gold Coast Suns’ list could be enough to prolong the careers of veterans Michael Rischitelli and Michael Barlow.
Suns coach Stuart Dew said he wanted to keep some experience at the club for 2019 and any decision surrounding Rischitelli, 32, and Barlow, 30, would be made with the whole group in mind.
“They’re two that we’ll have discussions with,” Dew said.
“You’re just a bit wary of whether you change everyone. I think you’ve got to keep some (experienced) people around.
“We don’t want to get too young. We’ve just got to weigh up the whole mix. They won’t be decisions in isolation. We’ve got to look at the whole squad and what we think we need.”
Rischitelli has played 20 games this season and found a home at halfback, while Barlow has played just two, including the final game of the season where he collected a team-high 35 possessions in Gold Coast’s 22.10 (142) to 5.10 (40) loss to Geelong.
Dew said the club would make decisions on many players by around the end of today.
Gold Coast have been clear about their strategy of going after the best talent available in the draft while targeting mature-age players who can improve the list.
Last year’s recruits Aaron Young, 25, and Nick Holman, 23, were consistent contributors for Gold Coast this season and Dew said the club would be looking for players of the same ilk.
“It’s a mix of bringing in some top-end draft picks but also looking for Nick Holman, Aaron Young types,” Dew said.
“I think they’ve been great for our footy club, not only on the ground, they’ve been durable, played all year and provided good leadership.
“Those guys that are looking for that second chance or another opportunity and are desperate to play and make Gold Coast their footy club, I’m sure there’s players like that out there.
“If they’re anything like those two individuals, we’ll open the doors.”