Day, Gallen, Archer among leaders at new-look Southern Suburbs

The new era at Southern Suburbs is off to a healthy start with a few young guns ready to make their names under a new coach at Alley Park.

The new era at Southern Suburbs is off to a healthy start with a few young guns ready to make their names under a new coach at Alley Park.

Paul Stevens has moved from Stan Williams Park to Gordonvale as he takes control of the Alley Park club, and tries to return the success-starved club a finals berth – or a dream premiership.

Aidan Day is putting in the hard yakka at Suburbs. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

And the former Brothers coach has liked what he’s seen from the Cockatoos so far, in particular two young forwards and a veteran who he thinks could take the club to new heights.

Roland Gallen and Riley Archer have instantly caught Stevens’ eye, while former Northern Pride-contracted forward Aidan Day is expected to step up as a leader of the pack.

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“Roland has been fantastic so far and Riley, everyone loves a big, red-headed forward,” Stevens said.

“(Riley) brings a lot of energy.

“A couple of guys slip through the cracks every now and again, but Riley’s is big, athletic and has plenty of ability.”

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Suburbs' Roland Gallen. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

Day played his first game for the Pride in 2016, and accumulated 39 games in the blue and orange – 22 of which came in their torrid 2019 campaign.

He has always impressed in club land, and that’s one of the reasons why Stevens expects the big man to perform.

“He brings a ton of experience,” Stevens said.

“He will be a real leader of the forward pack, he’s strong and has plenty of ability, but you can’t buy that experience.

“Our A and reserve grade numbers are strong, and the guys are eager to get out there and play.”

Suburbs have several trials already locked in, with a home-and-away pre-season double against Innisfail either side of a planned clash with the Northern Pride’s under-21s.

SUBURBS’ PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE

February 27 v Innisfail at Innisfail

March 6 v Pride under-21s at Alley Park

March 13-14 v Innisfail at Alley Park

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Originally published as Day, Gallen, Archer among leaders at new-look Southern Suburbs