Hinds taking footy to the next level
JAKE Hinds will get a NEAFL baptism of fire today when he makes his debut for Southport against a Suns team the club hasn’t beaten in five years.
The Tasmanian has been given the nod after finding form for QAFL team Broadbeach where he kicked 12 goals in three games before playing in the league’s representative outfit against the Adelaide Football League last weekend.
Hinds has been named in the forward line and is one of two inclusions along with influential wingman Matt Shaw, back from a hamstring injury.
The duo will replace tall Josh Hall (unavailable) and injured forward Trent Stubbs (ankle) for the Round 11 game at Fankhauser Reserve.
“I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity,” Hinds said of his selection.
“(Sharks coach) Steve (Daniel) said I have been doing everything I can in the QAFL.
“I’ve been playing some reasonable footy and finding form there.
“I have been putting my name up for selection and proving I can do it on a consistent level was the main thing for them to bring me in.
“Now it’s about finding that consistency at NEAFL level.”
Gold Coast have made a host of changes to their side for the game, with mid-season draft pick Mitch Riordan set to make his club debut.
Other inclusions include Chris Burgess, Ashton Crossley, Brad Scheer, Connor Budarick, Corey Joyce and Hewago Oea.
They will replace Sam Day, Callum Ah Chee, Corey Ellis (all AFL), Sam Fletcher, Jez McLennan (injured), Jack Mentha, Alex Davies and Emmanuel Baru (omitted).
“We haven’t beaten them for five years so it is a bit of a hoodoo for us,” Hinds said.
“Southport struggled a couple of years ago but they weren’t the same team as what they are now.”