Simington’s brief chance to shine
GOLD Coast NEAFL coach Nick Malceski says the final six games of the Suns season shape as important for Harry Simington following the forward’s long-awaited return from injury.
The Suns 15.11 (101) to 10.14 (74) win over Redland at Metricon Stadium on Saturday was Simington’s first outing for the club in 11 months.
Hamstring injuries and a stress fracture in his foot scuppered the 19-year-old’s draft hopes in 2018 but a big finish to the NEAFL season could help the Gold Coast product draw the attention of clubs looking for a mature-age recruit.
The former Labrador player kicked two goals against Redland while 13 of his 15 possessions were contested.
“Harry has had some time out but he’s been working his backside off to get back,” Malceski said.
“He was super excited (on Friday) in our tune up and I had to tell him to settle down and save it for the game.
“He started off the game really well and kicked two goals in the first quarter. He presented well and he is a really fit player so his ability to run up and back was really impressive.
“Like all the under-19s it’s going to be an important six games for us and we have to play all the AFL clubs so it’s going to be a good challenge for them to see what they can display and if they can play to their strengths like they did (on Saturday).
“Other guys have been playing more footy than (Simington) so it’s probably more important for him.”
Gold Coast began Saturday’s game strongly and led by 43-points at half time before suffering the familiar thirdquarter lapse that let Redland get within 16 points before Gold Coast bounced back.