Two AAMI Community Series games were played on Thursday evening with some standout performances, important injury news and role changes noted.
Thursday, February 29
Sydney vs Brisbane
Blacktown ISP, 7:10pm AEDT
Key notes
Hugh McCluggage was prolific in a 25-point Brisbane victory. Led all comers with 31 disposals, attending just under half of the available CBAs. Co-stars Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley were the preferred centre bounce midfielders for the Lions, with a mix of others rotated through in support.
Continuing on his form from last year’s finals series, Keidean Coleman was free to be his damaging self across half back. The flanker collected 10 marks and also hit the scoreboard with a long-range goal from beyond the 50m arc.
Forward Kai Lohmann was lively early, pushing up the ground to setup around stoppage regularly. He is one of a handful of young Lions looking to establish themselves at senior level and did his own prospects no harm, scoring 77/99 (AF/SC).
Errol Gulden led the way for Sydney with the likes of Parker, Warner and Mills all watching on from the sidelines. Did everything he could in what was a depleted midfield with 24 disposals, 7 marks and a huge 9 tackles.
Major recruit Brodie Grundy had his work cut out for him battling against Oscar McInerney in the ruck, ultimately leading the hit-outs with 27, 7 of which were to advantage. Finished the match with just a single clearance and only 9 disposals to his name, scoring an underwhelming 51/65 (AF/SC).
James Jordon had no trouble finding the football on the outside, equalling McCluggage with 31 disposals of his own. He was arguably the Swan’s best after Gulden and spent the majority of his time operating on a wing, attending only 25% of the available CBAs.
Youngster Matt Roberts looked comfortable at the level. He played through the backline and used the ball well, going at 77.8% from 18 touches. Roberts appears to be filling the role vacated by Robbie Fox, who has transitioned himself into the forward mix in recent weeks.
Injury news
Taylor Adams was forced to the sidelines midway through the third term with an apparent knee injury. The initial diagnosis is a mild medial ligament strain, which could put his early season prospects in doubt.
GWS vs Gold Coast
Manuka Oval, 7:10pm AEDT
Key notes
Toby Greene starred for the Giants in their 44-point victory, kicking 3.3 in a dominant display. The skipper also went out of his way to get his teammates involved, finishing with a game high 12 score involvements. Tom Green was the next best for GWS, tallying 30 touches to go along with 8 clearances and a goal of his own.
Aaron Cadman continues to show signs of development, presenting strongly up forward while also pinch hitting in the ruck. Meanwhile, fellow forward Harvey Thomas put together another tidy performance as he continues to press his own claims for an early season debut. His pressure was a feature alongside fellow small Toby Bedford, with the pair laying a dozen tackles between them.
Touk Miller was gallant for the Suns in what was a losing effort. Looking back to his gut running best after a strong preseason, he led Gold Coast in disposals (33), tackles (5) and score involvements (8).
Defender Connor Budarick had his hands full, tasked with minding Toby Greene for stages in a backline that was persistently under siege. His running mate Alex Sexton was also busy in his new role across half back, gathering 31 disposals at 87.1% efficiency, scoring a lockable 115/125 (AF/SC). The pair look set to be the preferred users in the D50 under Damien Hardwick, alongside mainstay Wil Powell.
Injury news
Brent Daniels exited the game early as a precautionary measure following an ankle tweak. The Giants are optimistic at this stage he won’t be in any doubt for Round 0.
