Hunt to tackle experienced AFL stars
Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna will finally get to see how multi-million dollar rookie Karmichael Hunt shapes up against bona fide AFL players when the Suns tackle the Casey Scorpions in the VFL on Saturday.
McKenna will momentarily ditch Hunt's midfield education and throw him into defence against either of Melbourne's seasoned players Matthew Bate or Brad Miller at Casey Fields.
Miller might not play for Casey as he was named an emergency for Melbourne for Sunday's game against Richmond at the MCG.
But if he does play in the VFL alongside Bate, their presence will provide the perfect litmus test for Hunt's progress.
McKenna has been waiting for the day that he can see Hunt in action against experienced AFL players.
"It's going to be a great opportunity to run around on Matthew Bate or Brad Miller, depending where they are playing and starting of course," McKenna told AAP.
"This will help him as he is playing on some bona fide players and he can test his skills against them.
"After quarter time, after he's played on a bona fide AFL player, we'll throw him into the midfield."
Hunt had his first midfield sortie last week against Geelong, having started his VFL career in attack before spending several weeks in defence where he has played some of his best football.
Meanwhile, McKenna will wait until the end of the season before handing out any more contracts to the teenagers on his list.
He said the Suns' gruelling finish to the VFL season, with three of their last four games on the road, will provide him with a first-hand look at how his younger players cope with a heavy travel routine.
"At the end of the year we'll pop some of those grey clouds hanging off the younger players heads and see where they are all at," McKenna said.
"We have to be fair on them. They now have three games, two away, one at home, and if they play well they will get a contract.
"If they worry about contracts they will not play their best footy and individually there are some great challenges ahead for them."
McKenna is also still in the hunt for two more assistant coaches, with Collingwood midfielder Shane O'Bree tipped to fill one of the vacancies.
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