Wil powers on for Suns

Powell back for battle on premiers’ home turf

GOLD Coast and Brisbane are hoping training reaches another gear today as players push to prove their form or fitness for recalls.

At the Suns, Wil Powell, who has missed two weeks with concussion, has passed all tests and will be available for selection for the trip to Perth to take on premiers West Coast if he can get through the session.

After a heavy loss to Brisbane in the QClash, Dew made it clear he was looking for players who were prepared to compete for four quarters.

Anthony Miles, who was the non-playing emergency last week, has also overcome a calf injury and will be strongly considered if he trains well.

Dew has already declared Sam Day is in contention after a strong start to the season in the NEAFL.

Aaron Young is also banging on the door after being the NEAFL standout in the first month.

His form is going to be hard to ignore after he collected 40 disposals, made nine tackles and took nine marks in the loss to Brisbane on Saturday.

He is averaging 38 possessions a game this season.

Jacob Heron and Ben King also played their best games in the reserves against Brisbane.

The Suns’ NEAFL ranks are about to swell with AFL level players.

High-octane pressure forward Sean Lemmens is set to return via the NEAFL having recovered from ankle surgery he underwent following the opening JLT Series win over the Bulldogs.

Regular senior player Lachie Weller, new recruit Corey Ellis (Richmond) and No.3 draft pick Izak Rankine will all play in the next two weeks.

The Lions will test vice-captain Harris Andrews, midfielder Rhys Mathieson and speedy defender Zac Bailey, who have all missed games with hamstring injuries, for the home clash with the Sydney Swans.

With Swans’ gun Lance Franklin out of action the urgency for an Andrews recall has diminished and he is unlikely to play unless he was 100 per cent fit.

Brisbane don’t generally tinker with a winning side but Mathieson would be considered the best chance of a recall to the seniors if he proves his fitness while Bailey would be more likely to return through the NEAFL.

Debutant Noah Answerth played well in the QClash and is a strong chance to retain his spot and force Bailey to fight his way back in.