Making his AFL debut in 2022 no tall order for Suns giant Ned Moyle ahead of season
SUNS prospect Ned Moyle has declared he will be out to make an impact in every VFL appearances he makes, eager to ensure each performance thrusts his name onto the Gold Coast’s team sheet.
The 20-year-old, 205cm ruckman has been named among the emergencies for the Suns’ season opener against West Coast, and will be a key figure in the club’s second tier side from next weekend.
It has marked a meteoric rise for the young talent, who has thrived since being signed midway through last year. While Moyle admitted the constant disruptions of Covid-19 had thrown some curveballs in his adjustment to the top ranks, ultimately he had been put in a strong position to continue his rise.
“When you’re in a position thankfully to be so close to getting selected you’ve just got to put your best foot forward every week in the VFL and play as well as you can and try have the biggest influence possible,” Moyle said.
“Everyone’s been able to get the most out of themselves given the circumstances.
“It’s been a tough one, but it’s helpful when you’re in it as a group being able to do it with 45 or 50 other blokes who are awesome and in the same scenario.”
After finishing second last season, new Southport Sharks co-captain Mike Manteit was simply itching for Round 1 against Richmond and said the squad had cast aside the disappointment of falling short at the final hurdle.
“It’s something we haven’t focused on too much,” he said.
“There's obviously been some interruptions with Mother Nature and you feel for the families that have been affected (by the floods), but we’ve managed to come together, and it’s a great opportunity for our to showcase Queensland football in Victoria in round one.”