SUNS MR FIX-IT SET FOR MIDFIELD RETURN

DAVID Swallow will go from plugging holes to making them in the opposition’s defence as one of Gold Coast’s most physical players gets ready to steel a Suns midfield looking to cause a boil over against Brisbane in this Sunday’s Qclash.

The 29-year-old has spent the first five rounds of the 2022 AFL season playing across every line for Gold Coast, filling a void down back while the likes of Jack Bowes have been injured between stints at forward and then the midfield when the team has needed support.

The sacrifice from one of the club’s

most selfless players means his average disposals (14.4), contested possessions (5.4) clearances (1.6) are all at career lows but his value to those inside the four walls of the club has never greater ahead of the weekend’s Round 6 fixture at Metricon Stadium.

Swallow didn’t attend a single centre bounce in the first two games, was brought in for three of them when the midfield were being battered by GWS in Round 3, wasn’t required in Round 4 against Carlton and featured in seven against St Kilda last weekend when he started to transition back into his regular role.

“The plan going into the season was to play in the midfield and go forward but it has been good to go into the backline too,” Swallow (left) said. “We need guys to be flexible in the team. Brandon (Ellis) has gone down back at times too and the more guys we have playing multiple roles, the better.

“I still like to be influencing the game by getting the ball. Depending on what position I am playing it doesn’t always turn out that way. We try to be a team that doesn’t rely on one guy getting massive numbers. We need weight of numbers where everyone is playing their role.

Suns coach Stuart Dew praised the role Swallow has played as he looks to unleash him on the Lions.

“That is the beauty of Dave, he is trusted and he is flexible,” Dew said. “He knows his role is to compete.” Swallow dislocated a finger in his right hand in last week’s loss to the Saints but has been given the all clear to take to the field against the Lions.