AFL LIVE: Gun forward out but star defender returns as Hawks, Suns fire up Friday night football on the Gold Coast

Here is a guide to the two teams to duke it out on the Gold Coast tonight.As we know, they don’t always set up this way, but it gives us an indication of the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. On paper, the Suns look to have the stronger midfield.

The Hawks, meanwhile, have welcomed back gun defender Tom Barrass but are still missing the evergreen Jack Gunston up forward.GOLD COASTB: M.Andrew, S.

Collins, O.AdamsHB: D.Rioli, B.

Uwland, J.NobleC: Z.Uwland, C.

Petracca, T.MillerHF: B.Humphrey, B.

Long, L.LombardF: J.Witts, B.

King, J.WalterR: N.Moyle, N.

Anderson, M.RowellI/C: N.Holman, J.

Jeffrey, S.Clohesy, J.Murray, B.

AddinsallIN: J.Witts, N.Holman, B.

AddinsallOUT: B.Jepson (omitted), C.Ballard (omitted), L.

Gulbin (omitted)HAWTHORNB: J.Impey, J.Battle, J.

SicilyHB: B.Hardwick, T.Barrass, K.

AmonC: H.Morrison, W.Day, M.

D’AmbrosioHF: D.Moore, M.Chol, J.

GinnivanF: C.Macdonald, M.Lewis, N.

WatsonR: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, J.

WardI/C: J.Weddle, N.Reeves, C.

Mackenzie, C.Nairn, B.MacdonaldIN: T.

Barrass, H.MorrisonOUT: F.Perez (omitted), B.

Ryan (omitted) Gold Coast minders will be on grumpy watch tonight after Suns coach Damien Hardwick was put on notice by AFL officials last week.Hardwick faces a heavy financial penalty if he reloads and criticises the umpiring.Last week, Dimma raised the ire of league officials when he complained about home-ground umpiring and decisions that went against his side during their loss to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, while also recommending a change to the lasso rule.

Damien Hardwick and the Suns have some serious work to do if they’re to contend for this year’s flag.AFL PhotosAFL executive head of football Greg Swann called Hardwick directly on Monday to discuss the comments and express the league’s disappointment, but left the conversation with a warning and no fine.“I didn’t have a problem with his issue around the lasso, but probably the next bit was a bit overstepping the mark.

We’ll have a chat, and hopefully we can move forward from there,” Swann told The Age’s Real Footy podcast on Monday.For Michael Gleeson’s full story, click HERE. Hawthorn will continue their pursuit of multiple players from rival clubs rather than confining their effort and trade capital to Essendon veteran Zach Merrett, as they did last year.

The Hawks remain keen to acquire Merrett, who is again expected to seek a trade to the club at season’s end, and are the favoured destination for Gold Coast key forward Ben King if the restricted free agent chooses to leave.Former Essendon skipper Zach Merrett.Ruby AlexanderThey have been a leading suitor for Suns young gun Bailey Humphrey, who is contracted for 2027, as well as King.

They met with Humphrey last spring.For Jake Niall’s full story, click HERE. Good evening football lovers, and welcome to our live coverage of the round 15 Friday night game.

There’s a lot at stake for these two sides, Gold Coast and Hawthorn.My name is Danny Russell, and I’ll be on board to take you through this intriguing clash, which kicks off at 7.40pm (AEST) at People First Stadium on the Gold Coast.

I reckon we are in for a cracking game of football. Enjoy.