Ben Long, Joel Jeffrey and Lloyd Johnston in Suns squad to play North Melbourne

The Gold Coast Suns are taking on a Territory flavour to best make use of their home ground advantage against North Melbourne, with three of their NT players named in the side.

There will be a strong Territory flavour in the Gold Coast Suns squad set to take on North Melbourne, with three NT players named in the squad.

Ben Long, Joel Jeffrey and Lloyd Johnston have all been named in the side after strong outings in the VFL, as part of six changes to the side that played Brisbane.

The side would have had Malcolm Rosas too if not for a hamstring injury.

St Mary’s junior Long said it was a great opportunity for the trio, who haven’t been regular features of the main squad, to make a case for consistent AFL outings.

Damien Hardwick, Malcolm Rosas, Joel Jeffrey, Michael Long, Ben Long and Lloyd Johnson ahead of the Gold Coast Suns match against North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Cotellessa/GC SUNS

“It’s good to have some Darwin fellas in the team, Lloyd and Joel have been in good form in the VFL so it’s good to have them playing,” he said.

“It’s something on the calendar that us boys are always thinking about, wanting to get back to Darwin and make it right so we can play in front of our friends and family.

“It’s always a special moment for us playing up here, us Darwin boys grew up here and for our junior clubs here, but to do play at AFL level here makes it extra special.

“I have to nail my role in the forward, I’ve had some good form in the VFL and I think it’s just about stripping it right back to knowing my role and being consistent.”

Joel Jeffrey ahead of the Gold Coast Suns match against North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Cotellessa/GC SUNS

The Suns boast a strong record at TIO Stadium with wins beating the likes of Saturday’s opponent North, Hawthorn, Adelaide and the Bulldogs in recent years.

And though they have Geelong next week, the side is confident they can use their aptitude to the Top End to their advantage.

“It’s that Territory experience, but being in Queensland we’re used to the conditions, it’s a Territory games most of the time so we’re used to it,” he said.

“We’ve played some really good games and learned from the games we haven’t won, but we’re sitting right there and have the opportunity to grab finals.

There’s still a long season to go, but it’s important for us to get both wins up here.”