Mid West football fans will get the opportunity to see young gun Jaeger O’Meara in a Gold Coast Suns uniform earlier than expected.

The Suns lodged a request to the AFL last month, asking permission for the Dongara midfielder to represent the club in this month’s preseason NAB Cup competition.

The request was accepted giving O’Meara the opportunity to compete for selection for the Suns’ preseason opener against the Brisbane Lions and Melbourne at Metricon Stadium on February 25.

Gold Coast Suns general manager — football operations Marcus Ashcroft said exposing O’Meara to senior football would be good for the GNFL product’s development.

“The decision provides Jaeger with the opportunity to get a taste of senior football, all-be-it in the NAB Cup, early in his time with us,” he told the club’s website.

“We are scheduled to play two matches during the NAB Cup at home here at Metricon, giving our fans an opportunity to catch an early glimpse of Jaeger, a player we think will play a major role in the long-term future of the club.”

O’Meara won the 2010 Guardian medal for best on ground in the grand final for Railways during his short stint in the Great Northern Football League.

He played two league games before moving to Perth and playing for the Perth Demons last season.

He kicked four goals in his debut game for the club which came after a stand-out performance during WA’s U18’s National Championships campaign.

The Guardian was unable to contact Jaeger yesterday but he told the Gold Coast Suns’ website he was stoked to have the opportunity to compete for selection.