The hard work continued for the Gold Coast SUNS today with the squad taking part in a spirited training session in scorching temperatures at Metricon Stadium.
With the AFL NAB Cup tournament just three weeks away, the GC SUNS have certainly turned up the heat at training with coaching staff putting the squad through a series of testing drills during their first hit out of the week.
Divided into two teams of 18, the 2013 listed players then took part in a fiercely-contested intra club match which at times resulted in some heavy clashes.
Played across two 20-minute halves with an experienced QAFL umpire on hand to officiate, the hit out provided Guy McKenna and his team with valuable intel as the GC SUNS warm up for the opening NAB Cup matches at Metricon Stadium on February 23.
Exciting livewire Jack Martin showed glimpses of what GC SUNS fans can expect to see in twelve months time with the 18-year-old one of the stand outs, while talented utility Steven May enjoyed a solid hit out against new teammate Greg Broughton.
Key forward Sam Day relished the physical nature of the exercise, constantly hurtling his dramatically improved physic into the contest as he strives to secure his place NAB Cup squad.
The game-simulation produced healthy competitiveness in ample doses, with veteran hardman Campbell Brown and young defender Maverick Weller engaging in an animated discussion during one of the breaks in play.
But Brown was quick to pour cold water over the matter, saying it was evidence that the pair were committing to the higher standards that have been set for the playing group this season.
“There was nothing in it, and there are certainly no hard feelings,” said Brown.
“There was (just) a bit of feedback given, and a point was certainly made.”
The GC SUNS also showed their support for the Gold Coasts www.whatswiththeredfullstop.com.au campaign with this morning’s media opportunity featuring a prominent red full-stop..
GC SUNS rookie and Gold Coast local Andrew Boston said he hoped everyone on the Gold Coast would take the time to visit the new website and get behind the new campaign.
“The Red Full Stop campaign is all about celebrating what we love most about the Gold Coast,” said Boston.
“It’s a great community initiative and the GC SUNS are certainly getting behind the campaign.”
GC SUNS Goals, Round 8
12:39pm May 20, 2013
Highlights: Gold Coast SUNS v Western Bulldogs
12:08pm May 20, 2013
McKenna Post-Match
11:13am May 20, 2013