SUNS’ ROTATION PLAN A GOOD SIGN
MICHAEL WHITING
GOLD Coast coach Stuart Dew has given his first indication the Suns could rotate players through their hectic upcoming schedule.
The Suns are in the unusual position of having a healthy playing list and will begin a stretch of four games in 16 days starting with Greater Western Sydney at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.
Following that, Gold Coast hosts St Kilda just four days later.
To ensure they’re prepared for any scenario, the Suns have loaned five players – Brayden Fiorini, Jeremy Sharp, Zac Smith, Caleb Graham and Sam Flanders – to play in a reserves scratch-match between Essendon and Brisbane on Friday.
This would give any potential Suns call-ups six days to recover before the seniors play the Saints, rather than four.
Dew said he was confident Gold Coast would handle the packed schedule, but would cover all bases.
“Our boys handled the five-day break really well against the Bulldogs,” he said.
“We had our chances. “Generally our players are ready to go on four to fiveday breaks, what they’re not used to is a full game. Across pre-season we generally back up after three or four days into big sessions, so we’re confident all teams will be able to handle it.”
Dew said No.11 draft pick Flanders was inching closer to a debut.
“He’s knocking on the door.
“Sammy’s very close. We love his intensity on the track, he played well last week.’’