Talks underway for potential scratch matches between six teams in Gold Coast AFL hub

Talks are underway to create a six-team second tier competition in the AFL’s Gold Coast hub.

TALKS are underway to create a six-team second tier competition in the AFL’s Gold Coast hub.

The Suns are exploring the opportunity for their reserves to play scratch matches against not only Brisbane, but West Coast, Fremantle, Port Adelaide and Adelaide when the interstate teams arrive following the completion of Round 2 in mid June.

The topic, discussed in detail on this week’s episode of The Heat Room, set to be released Wednesday morning, would enable Suns players not selected to play in the AFL a chance to get crucial match fitness given they will not be playing in any revised NEAFL competition.

George Horlin-Smith kicks during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session at Metricon Stadium on May 22, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“Playing non-selected AFL players against those other teams probably post-Round 2 is certainly something we are exploring with those teams and the AFL,” Suns football manager Jon Haines said.

“Most of those teams will bring that full group with them.

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“They won’t just bring their playing squad, they will bring their whole squad with them and they will be looking for games as well.

“We expect, once the season kicks off, we will be able to facilitate some games with those teams.

“It’s a great thing for our players to be able to play some quality players every week for that period of time, it’s terrific for their development so it’s a great outcome.”

Watch the full episode of The Heat Room at www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au on Wednesday.

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