Tom Lynch has been earmarked as a future leader of the Gold Coast SUNS. He might even one day captain the club. And on Saturday night, in the immediate aftermath of a second consecutive disappointing performance, the spearhead addressed the playing group on the broadcast wing of Metricon Stadium.
It’s a sign that would have encouraged Rodney Eade, despite a second loss in as many weeks and one that once again drew the ire of the football universe for the manner in which the SUNS performed.
The age profile of the SUNS list in 2015 is the second youngest in the competition behind fellow expansion outfit Greater Western Sydney. Many pundits have predicted Gold Coast to blossom and come of age this season, but when you consider the lack of experienced players in Carrara – in terms of age and games played – the picture is clearer. Experience assists with development.
'You can either cower and sook and crawl under a rock, or you can stand up'
Eade explained the leadership at the club must continue to develop to help assist with onfield improvement. With Lynch, David Swallow and Dion Prestia in the leadership group, the seeds have been sown for the future. But, Eade needs this group and those around them to take significant strides in 2015 to drag the SUNS forward.
“We’re still young, the expectations gone up, but there’s still a lot of growth as players and leaderships one area,” Eade told reporters on Wednesday morning.
“There’s no doubt, leaderships we’ve got to grow. There’s some real potential amongst the group, but we’ve got to keep developing that.”
Premiership contenders Hawthorn, Fremantle, Sydney and North Melbourne all have a wealth of experience. It’s no coincidence that all four sides have five of the competition’s oldest lists, highlighting how wise, older heads help translate into sustained success.
In contrast, with Gary Ablett and Jarrod Harbrow ruled out for this weekend, the SUNS will be even less experienced than usual down at the Cattery.
Take a look at the Round Three Optomo Injury Report with Marcus Ashcroft
Just three players will be above the age of 25 – Michael Rischitelli, Nick Malceski and Greg Broughton - and all three are the only players who will make the trip that have more than 80 games next to their name.
“You have a look at premiership teams, you look at Hawthorn - they’ve got eight players over 30 years of age. I think the premiership teams are getting older because they are staying longer, they’re more experienced.
“Fremantle now, obviously are a really good side, they’ve got some really good experience around. We might only have two or three players above 25 years of age this weekend.”
In the face of adversity, the emerging leaders have the opportunity to stand up and change the fortunes of their club. One week at a time.
