SEVEN DEADLY SUNS READY TO RIP IN
The AFL season has just started but the heat is already rising for some, as Tom Boswell writes
AARON YOUNG
The midfielder played all 22 games in his first year at the Suns in 2018, the first time the former Port Adelaide player has done so in his seven-year AFL career. But the growth of the likes of Wil Powell, Ben Ainsworth and the arrival of George Horlin-Smith mean Young could be the odd man out. He wasn’t selected in the opening JLT Series game against the Bulldogs and injured his ankle when he came on in the third quarter of the club’s second preseason game against Sydney. It has put him out for the first couple of rounds of the AFL season.
NICK HOLMAN
Another who arrived in 2018 and made an impact. Holman isn’t the classiest or best ball user but his work ethic, tackling and hunger to win a contest set the tone for many around him. The 23-year-old has been managing a back issue for some time and has only been back to training at full capacity this week. Suns officials have already stated he is expected to take some part in this weekend’s football action but the continuing competition for spots in the forward line will make it hard for Holman to keep playing regularly in the seniors.
SAM DAY
One of the most reliable players when fit and one of only four foundation players left. The swingman has recovered from the serious shoulder injury he suffered last year and the exit of Tom Lynch opened the door for him to fill the void alongside Peter Wright. Many predicted him to walk into the role given his experience in a young side but the form of stateleague recruit Chris Burgess has Day scrambling to get his spot back. The uncapped Burgess played both JLT Series games while Day, who has played 110 AFL games, didn’t feature.
MICHAEL RISCHITELLI
He has played 236 AFL games over a 15-year career at the top level but Rischitelli looks to be making way for the new generation of players. The 33year-old shifted from the midfield to the backline in 2018 before signing a one-year extension that will tie him to the club until the end of 2019. His experience and knowledge made him a valuable tool for coach Stuart Dew. But the rise of Charlie Ballard and health of Pearce Hanley and others mean Rischitelli will likely help the club’s youngest players develop through the NEAFL.
SEAN LEMMENS
Has become a useful utility, starting in the backline before enjoying a shift to forward. The 24-year-old played 20 games in 2017 but just 10 last year after suffering a hamstring injury in the JLT Series before fracturing his wrist upon his return. Signed until the end of 2021, Lemmens is expected to be out for another six weeks after undergoing surgery for a syndesmosis injury to his left ankle suffered in the final seconds of the JLT win over the Bulldogs. Current forward and backline stocks are relatively healthy so Lemmens may have to wait for his chance.