Sam Flanders has gotten what he wanted when he left Gold Coast in the off season: a permanent senior spot in midfield. With the Saints turning over some older players like Zak Jones, Flanders does not have to worry about the coach sticking him on a half forward flank and telling him to form part of the front six, away from the action. The Saints also lost Jack Steele, and it is his role that Flanders has assumed as part of the A rotation. He gets no oppo attention with all of that going to Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, so life is pretty good for sexy Ned right now.
Sam Flanders has gotten what he wanted when he left Gold Coast in the off season: a permanent senior spot in midfield. With the Saints turning over some older players like Zak Jones, Flanders does not have to worry about the coach sticking him on a half forward flank and telling him to form part of the front six, away from the action. The Saints also lost Jack Steele, and it is his role that Flanders has assumed as part of the A rotation. He gets no oppo attention with all of that going to Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, so life is pretty good for sexy Ned right now.
Sam Flanders was one of the positive stories out of Gold Coast's 2024 campaign, winning a spot in the A rotation of their centre bounce crew to the tune of a 31 disposal average, with an underdone Touk Miller relegated mostly to a half forward flank. Miller's resurgence this season has coincided with an interrupted start to Flanders' preparation with a back concern, leading to his worst stat line for two years last week in the Suns' shock loss to lowly Richmond. His role shifted from a wing to his original forward role in Q4, where he finally found some footy, but he still lacks form.
Stupid sexy Flanders
Powerful Sam Flanders adds ball winning ability and contested nous to the fledgling side after a dominant Championships where he averaged 22 disposals, four clearances and six marks. The ready-made prospect was similarly dominant in the NAB League for Gippsland Power, gathering 22 possessions and a major per outing. He is also capable of being a consistent goalscorer when played as a permanent forward. Flanders has the body to fight for a role at AFL level come round 1, which will mean you won't be able to escape the hype around him from salary cap fantasy competitions. A consistent ball winner and goal threat throughout his junior days, Flanders is a likely fantasy prospect for the future. Add this Sun to the watchlist, especially to see his split of time forward and in midfield to gauge his statistical ceiling.
