AXE SET TO FALL
THE selection axe is looming for the Suns with coach Stuart Dew considering multiple changes for Saturday’s 17th QClash.
Coming off a 73-point loss to Adelaide in Round 5, Gold Coast are desperate to respond against Brisbane.
THE selection axe is looming for some Suns with coach Stuart Dew considering making multiple changes for this weekend’s 17th edition of the QClash.
Dew said the Suns’ match committee could be in for a long meeting as they weigh up whether to show faith or relegate some players to the reserves following the team’s 73-point loss to Adelaide.
Anthony Miles is expected to be fit to play after being a late withdrawal with a corked calf last weekend while Wil Powell will be assessed after missing the Crows game due to concussion.
Powell’s selection for Saturday’s game at Metricon Stadium will be strictly on medical grounds, with the 19year-old considered to be in Gold Coast’s best 22.
Dew said calls on form would be much tougher following promising performances in the NEAFL from players looking to edge their way into the senior side.
“We have some decisions to make,” Dew said.
“We expect Milesy to be available, Aaron Young is available, Sam Day and Brad Scheer also. They have had some consistent performances in the NEAFL so when we sit down … to finalise the side it might be a long one.”
Gold Coast have a six-day break between games this week while Brisbane will have nine after being limited to five the week before.
The Lions have used it to audit their season so far while Dew said the short turnaround was welcomed as the Suns look to redeem themselves quickly.
He said Gold Coast were outclassed in the contest by Adelaide and they were burnt off slow transitions.
QClash 17 shapes as one of the most exciting in history, with both sides sitting at 3-2 and in a position to move into the top eight should they win.
“It’s great for footy,” Dew said. “I’m happy for Fages (Lions coach Chris Fagan) as well. I’m always keeping an eye on the (Lions), more so because of my relationship with Fages but for Queensland football.
“We know it’s going well at grassroots and participation (level) so our role in that is to make sure the senior teams are competitive.
“Regardless of the result, if we have a really competitive game we will both walk away happy with the first six weeks.”