‘I am not the new May’

Suns recruit Hombsch has his own goals to chase

JACK Hombsch has been recruited by Gold Coast to replace former captain Steven May in defence but the Port Adelaide defector says he won’t be a carbon copy.

Hombsch has detailed what fans can expect from the 193cm key defender who took part in his first official day at training with the Suns yesterday at the Southport Sharks ground.

May, who joined Mel- bourne during the trade period, has become one of the AFL’s top defenders through his ability to win contests.

Hombsch (right) and May are similar in height but the Suns’ newest defender has a lighter frame, weighing about 89kg as opposed to May (101kg).

“Steve is probably a bit bigger than me and plays on the bigger forwards a little bit better,” Hombsch said.

“My strengths have always been being able to intercept and read the ball.

“I’m not the quickest bloke so I have to rely on that. I am always looking to improve.

“I’d like to be able to improve that a bit so I can contribute more to the team rather than just being a stopper.”

Hombsch’s mobility and intercepting skills could make him the perfect foil to foundation Suns player and fellow key defender Rory Thompson who can play a lock-down role on rivals’ biggest forwards.

The Suns played May in a roaming role in the past two seasons with mixed success.

Hombsch, traded to the Suns for the club’s 2019 fourth round draft pick, said Thompson was an underrated player and while he came to fill the void left by May, he knows he will need to beat the likes of Jack Leslie and fellow recruit Sam Collins to earn a spot.

Hombsch was originally a 17-year-old access selection for GWS in 2011 but after nine games joined Port Adelaide.

Time in the senior side became limited for Hombsch after multiple hip surgeries.