Solargain Perth Suns show faith in local talent
Matt Ellul will join Clive Adams and Tom Mitchell in the Solargain Perth Suns strip for APL03 at Pine Rivers from November 10-13 The Solargain Perth Suns have changed their tactics going into APL03 naming a home grown Western Australian side for their third crack at claiming the spoils in the $110,000 Australian Premier League.
After last year’s semi-final performance, Solargain Perth Suns have been forced to make changes to their line-up after their international star Jeremy Henry announced he will be joining rival team the XXXX Brisbane Gold who finished last in APL02.
Choosing to look no further than the west to form their 2015 line-up, Perth Suns will join a number of competing franchises who opt to select home grown talent when forming their formidable APL teams.
Matt Ellul will count down the days to APL03 after receiving the unexpected call up to compete in what will be the biggest event in his short career.
Bowls WA CEO Ken Pride says Matt is a naturally talented player who has a great shot making ability and will embrace the APL environment.
“The hype and crowd involvement will suit Matt down to the ground and I predict him to be one of the finds of APL03 – certainly we are looking to make our first final and the team has been selected to achieve just that,” Mr Pride said.
Ellul, a member of one of Perth’s powerhouse clubs Manning Memorial, has been Western Australia’s leading skip for the past two years after strong performances for his state at South Burnie in Tasmania and most recently at WA’s home Australian Sides Championships played at Yokine Districts.
Ellul will be joined by the joint Rosenthal Medal winners Clive Adams and Tom Mitchell who will be hoping to improve upon Perth Suns back-to-back semi-final loses in the first two instalments of the revolutionary APL.
Ellul says he is looking forward to the APL and competing alongside players of whom he has formed friendships with during his time representing WA.
“I’m looking forward to a great challenge with great mates,” said the highly motivated Ellul.
“The Solargain Perth Suns are confident in performing strongly against quality opposition come November.”
Solargain Perth Suns stalwart Clive Adams will once again lead the way for his franchise in APL03 as their only member to play in all three APL’s at Club Pine Rivers.
Adams experience stretches far beyond his APL appearances having had a long and successful career that has seen him wear the green and gold in a development series against New Zealand in 2013 and represent Western Australia for the best part of for 14 years, playing over 180 games for the Sandgropers.
Tom Mitchell got a taste for APL last year and will be better off for the experience; the current Australian Champion of Champion singles runner-up was at ease on the big stage last year and having also won back-to-back Rosenthal Medals, Mitchell is certainly one of the most in form players in the west.
With three of Western Australia’s best skips named in their side, Coach Wayne Turley will have the tough job of selecting their positions and substitute options; however as a Commonwealth Games gold medallist in his own right and having coached the Perth Suns to consecutive semi-final appearances in APL01 and APL02, Turley will no doubt get the best out of his team once more.
The third instalment of the Australian Premier League will be held at Club Pine Rivers from November 10-13 and can be watched live on Fox Sports.
To read other franchises team announcements or to find out more information about the APL visit the website www.australianpremierleague.com.au
Get behind your team for APL03; it’s going to be the best yet!
