Spencer thrown in the Suns deep end
“(May) came up to me just after (coach Rodney Eade) spoke to me,” Spencer said.
“The next 48 hours will be pretty hectic, there are a few nerves running around. Steve really helped me out to settle the nerves telling me to go through my usual routine, do nothing special that I wouldn’t usually do.”
Spencer had an anxious wait post-training to find out if May had passed his fitness test and the 19-year-old said the news came with mixed emotions.
“At the end of training just not knowing was hectic for about 10 minutes there just waiting to find out whether I was playing or not,” he said.
“It’s pretty sad for the team that Steve didn’t get up because he is a big part of the team and a real pillar there.
“He is one of the leaders he will be missed but hopefully I can step in and do the role to the best of my ability.”
Spencer was taken in the 2016 rookie draft and played 15 NEAFL games this year.
He will become the eighth Gold Coast product to play for the Suns in the AFL and will feature alongside fellow Palm Beach Currumbin graduate and defender Jesse Joyce in tonight’s game.
The previous seven Gold Coasters to run out for the club average 23 games between them with inaugural Sun Rory Thompson, Joyce, Brad Scheer still on the list.
Eade said Spencer may not be AFL ready but injuries to May, Rory Thompson and Jack Leslie forced his hand.
It doesn’t worry Spencer who said he would reserve his judgment until after the final siren tonight and use the chance to reveal his weaknesses in order to develop.
“You never really know until you get out there,” Spencer said.
“It will be a good indication on the night whether I perform well or not. I’ll just get out there and try my best and see where it goes.
“I could use these games more as a learning experience. The nature of the game means it exposes your weaknesses and helps you identify areas you need to work on.” WEST Coast veteran Matthew Priddis has confirmed 2017 will be his last season.
The 2014 Brownlow Medllist yesterday said he would bow out after more than 230 AFL games across 12 seasons.
Fellow Eagle Sam Mitchell is expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.