Gold Coast youngster Mac Andrew has been omitted from the Suns’ Round 12 squad after failing to meet team standards.
Andrew, who joined the Suns as the fifth overall pick in the 2021 National Draft, was the only player to be withdrawn from Stuart Dew’s squad to face Adelaide this weekend.
Gold Coast confirmed on Thursday that the 19-year-old missed recovery training session over the recent weekend, with the club deciding to pull his name from selection in the hope of having the teenager better “understand the demands of playing AFL football.”
“Mac missed a recovery session on Sunday morning after the game against the Western Bulldogs, and while this, in isolation, is not major issue, we believe Mac needs to understand the demands of playing AFL football,” Suns football boss Wayne Campbell said in a club statement.
“Mac is a valued member of our football club. He has taken steps forward in learning what it takes to be an AFL footballer and we will continue to support and guide him through this.”
Andrew’s absence sees the Suns bring defender Jy Farrar into the starting 22, with the Suns to confirm their sole inclusion for Saturday’s clash through their tactical sub appointment.
Brandon Ellis, Sam Day, James Tsitas and Bodhi Uwland have been named as the emergencies in line for Sub duties for Round 12.
A win over Adelaide could move the Suns into the top eight and would see Dew’s side claim successive wins for the second time this year.
After knocking off the Bulldogs at TIO Stadium last weekend, the Suns will return to Darwin to host the Crows on Saturday night at 7:00pm local time.