DAYLIGHT ROBBERY
One has played 110 AFL games ... the other has just won a Suns deal. But Sam Day and Chris Burgess are on a collision course for Round 1 selection.
FOUNDATION Sun Sam Day will put his Round 1 selection hopes on the line against Sydney with the form of uncapped recruit Chris Burgess heaping pressure on the man with 110 AFL games to his name.
Burgess, 22, has laid down the gauntlet to the incumbent Gold Coast forward who is working on getting back to his best after building his fitness following his return from a serious shoulder injury.
The 2018 West Adelaide SANFL player impressed in the club’s scratch match and again against the Western Bulldogs in last weekend’s JLT Community Series game in Mackay, kicking two goals and providing a strong target in front of goal.
Gold Coast football manager Jon Haines said it was a near full-strength team rolled out by the Suns last week, showing Burgess was right in the frame for a Round 1 debut.
“Chris has been really impressive,” Haines said.
“Not only on the weekend but throughout the whole summer, he has adapted to the AFL environment.
“In terms of our key position stocks Burgo certainly adds to that.
“He has been playing and training as a forward through the summer but he has the capacity to play at both ends as well. He is super impressive and gives everything.”
Burgess was one of three state league players picked by Gold Coast as part of the special assistance package the club received from the AFL.
Gold Coast have made four changes to the side that beat the Bulldogs for Sunday’s second JLT game against the Swans in Lismore.
Day, Pearce Hanley, Jack Hombsch and Jacob Dawson replace George Horlin-Smith (ankle) and Sean Lemmens (ankle) in the extended squad.
“Sam has been working his way back into top fitness … it’s been really pleasing with the way he is moving and progressing,” Haines said.
“It’s competitive at the moment. We have a good availability of players. He will put his hand up for selection this week in Lismore.”