Sexton’s hoping his flexibility earns spot

ALEX Sexton concedes retaining his place in a now stacked Suns midfield will be a hard task but believes his versatility may give him the edge he needs as he chases a Round 1 start.

Sexton is in line to play his first game of the season after being named in Gold Coast’s extended 29-man squad for tomorrow’s JLT Community Series game against Essendon in Mackay.

The 23-year-old missed the first game against Brisbane due to a minor wrist injury but Sexton said he doesn’t feel like he is playing catch-up after a strong pre-season campaign.

“My wrist is good. I just needed the extra week to do a bit of strength work,” he said.

“There is nothing like footy conditioning but I had a solid session on the weekend and I’m fully confident leading into this one.”

Sexton played the majority of his 18 games for Gold Coast last season in the midfield as the club battled another injury crisis after previously bouncing between roles as a Mr Fixit.

The arrival of classy recruits Pearce Hanley, Jarryd Lyons and Michael Barlow and the return of Gary Ablett and David Swallow from injury mean Sexton faces a huge challenge to keep his spot in the middle of the ground.

But with Suns coach Rodney Eade emphasising the need for his players to be able to play multiple roles, Sexton’s ability to play in any area of the ground may give him an advantage over some.

“The coaches have told me I have to be pretty flexible with my role and whatever that will be on the weekend will be and I’m ready to adapt to any role,” Sexton said.

“But I do see myself as a midfielder and obviously we have a great amount of depth in there.

“The ability to swing around the ground holds me in good stead to hopefully get a spot in the side.”