It was a thought-provoking experience to merge the two Queensland teams into one. My choice of 22 players for this team is based who will be the top performers in the 2018 season.
Lions, Suns
Coach: Stewart Dew
Captain: Tom Lynch
B: Kade Kolodjashnij (Suns), Rory Thompson (Suns), Alex Witherden (Lions)
HB: Pearce Hanley (Suns), Steven May (Suns), Jarrod Harbrow (Suns)
C: Matt Rosa (Suns), Jarryd Lyons (Suns), Lachie Weller (Suns)
HF: Dayne Zorko (Lions), Ryan Lester (Lions), Aaron Young (Suns)
F: Ben Ainsworth (Suns), Tom Lynch (Suns), Lewis Taylor (Lions)
Foll: Jarrod Witts (Suns), Michael Barlow (Suns), Dayne Beams (Lions)
Int: Sam Day (Suns), Ryan Bastinac (Lions), Luke Hodge (Lions), David Swallow (Suns)
Coach
In his short time as coach of the Gold Coast Suns, Stewart Dew has already implemented a system and plan, the Suns clearly have a good structure and are systematic and methodical in the way they play. The effort and endeavour are definitely evident in watching them play this pre-season.
Captain
Tom Lynch is one of the best tall forwards in the competition. Along with being a prodigious talent, he is humble.
Backs
Kade Kolodjashnij and Alex Witherden are two players that don’t get much recognition for the role they play for their respective teams. Rory Thompson is a capable tall defender, while Pearce Hanley and Jarrod Harbrow are two attacking half-back flankers, with Hanley having the ability to push up to the wing. Unfortunately, Hanley will be missing a few games through injury and will be a big loss for the Suns.
Steven May possesses leadership qualities, which is substantiated by him being named co-captain for the upcoming season.
Midfielders
All three midfielders have played for more than one club in the AFL. I wouldn’t have let them go if it was up to me to decide. Matt Rosa is a capable midfielder who usually plays on the wing. Jarryd Lyons had a breakout year last season and it appears as if he is going to be successful in 2018. Lachie Weller will be a revelation in his first year for the Suns.
(AAP Image/Dan Peled)
Forwards
Dayne Zorko was named on the half-forward flank in the 2017 AFL All Australian team. Aaron Young is going to be a solid contributor to the Suns as he is a genuine match-winner. Ryan Lester is a player full of potential. Tom Lynch is renowned as being one of the best tall forwards in the league. Ben Ainsworth and Lewis Taylor both have a lot of potential.
Followers
Jarrod Witts has been named in the leadership group for the Suns this season, which illustrates how highly he is regarded by those within the club. He has the versatility to go forward and hit the scoreboard.
Michael Barlow is another player who is a part of the Suns leadership group. Unfortunately, last year he was struck down by injury, but look for him to get recognition in 2018 if he can stay injury-free and get some continuity in his footy.
Dayne Beams is the Lions’ captain and is a damaging forward 50 threat, averaging just over a goal per game throughout his career.
Interchange
Sam Day is a tall versatile player who has the ability to play both forward or back. Ryan Bastinac can kick a goal, but is mainly used through the midfield. Luke Hodge is a versatile player and natural leader. David Swallow is a quality midfielder who is a part of the Suns leadership group.
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