Suns well aware of Watson’s abilities
IT was about this time last year that far north Queenslander Shawn Watson took two huge marks for the Gold Coast Suns playing against Southport.
The Suns won that NEAFL clash at Wally Fankhauser Reserve by 13 points but the shoe is on the other foot today because Watson will be donning the black V and playing against the Suns at 1.30pm.
Watson, 19, has been in the Suns academy system for a number of years but is eligible for Southport selection when not required by the Suns.
Standing 196cm tall and weighing in at 94kg, Watson hails from the Cairns Saints, where he played alongside current listed Sun Jack Bowes.
Word from the Suns academy is that Watson has pace off the mark, is strong and has good hands.
Sharks football manager Jarrod Field can verify the latter ability.
“In the corresponding game last year he took two hangers and kicked a couple of goals against us,” Field said.
Not required by the Suns last weekend, Watson played for Surfers Paradise against Labrador in a QAFL game and did a good job at centre halfback on the competition’s leading scorer Bryce Retzlaff.
“I think I did OK,” was the Cairns product’s thoughts.
Watson’s aim is to join Bowes on an AFL list.
“I’d love to be drafted but we’ll wait and see,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sharks coach Nathan Bock is anxious to break a three-season hoodoo that has resulted in him going winless in five matches against the Suns since he took over at Southport in 2015.
“Maybe it’s Bocky’s curse but I wouldn’t mind getting one on the board,” Bock said of his record against the club he played for from 2011 to 2014.
The Sharks have won only two of 11 matches against the Suns since 2011.
The Suns named only 13 listed players for the Fankhauser Reserve exercise, while Southport have made five changes.
Out are Todd Grayson (hamstring), Isaac Franks (lower back), Daniel Charlesworth (Suns), Adam McKenzie (groin) and Mitch Johnson, who broke a hand at training this week.
The Sharks’ inclusions include Dylan Lancaster, who is back from QAFL duties with Broadbeach and a young player who has done well in his handful of games at the higher level.
“Dylan has been OK for us,” Bock said.
The Suns have made seven changes to the side, most from players being elevated to AFL company.
They regain ruckman Tom Nicholls as the only AFL-listed player returning this week.
The Suns are closing in on a historic finals finish, sitting fifth on standings.
They are eight points behind fourth-placed Northern Territory Thunder but are a game plus percentage ahead of sixth-placed Aspley.