In their final hit-out before next week’s NAB Cup matches against Hawthorn and QCLASH rival the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium, the red-and-gold faithful turned out in force to see the players participate in a series of tough training circuits as they sported their new 2XU Clash Guernseys.
Crowd favourite Sunny Ray joined with Southport Sharks mascot Sharky spending the morning entertaining some of the clubs youngest supporters, while hundreds of others tested heir skills kicking in the AFL playground.
Immediately following training the playing group signed autographs and posed for photographs before venturing inside for a special members only function inside the Southport Sharks events centre.
Experienced defender Tom Murphy surprised to see so many passionate GCSUNS supporters attend the clubs official season launch.
“It was great to see so many SUNS fans and supports come down here today and help us out with the 2013 Season Launch,” said Murphy.
“In particular, seeing so many young Gold Coast SUNS fans down here and having a kick of the footy with their friends and family was just a fantastic sight to see.”
Inside the exclusive members-only event, CEO Travis Auld, Chairman John Witheriff and Head Coach Guy McKenna previewed the year ahead before all 45 players on the 2013 list were presented with their official AFL Guernseys by a selection of the clubs members.
While first-year players Jaeger O’Meara, Jesse Lonergan and Clay Cameron received their first official AFL jumpers, it was also a special occasion for Murphy and fellow experienced recruits Greg Broughton who received their first GCSUNS Guernsey.
Speaking with goldcoastfc.com.au after the Season Launch, Murphy said the Club was committed towards securing 20,000 members this year.
“We’re on our way to 20-ONE-3 so hopefully a few more members can jump on board today so that we can hit that 20,000 membership mark,” Murphy said.
“With the AFL Season fast approaching, we’re urging all GC SUNS fans to renew or join as SUNS members in what promises to be an exciting season of football at Metricon Stadium.”
Click here to view photos from the 2013 Season Launch at Southport Sharks.
