It was always going to come down to their response, not in a football manner but an attitudinal. And that’s precisely the reason why the players suspended for breaching the club’s alcohol policy were brought straight back into the side after serving their punishment.
 
Since his arrival in early November, Gold Coast SUNS coach Rodney Eade has been crystal clear with his desire to build a club based upon living by elite standards in all facets of life. Not simply on-field, but across the board.
 
The suspension of Harley Bennell, Trent McKenzie and Brandon Matera last weekend was simply an application of the mantra Eade has imprinted on the Gold Coast. The manner in which the trio responded has reinforced the football department’s confidence that the club is building a strong culture and heading in the right direction.
 
With the SUNS decimated by injury during the early stages of the season, the return of Bennell, McKenzie and Matera comes at an important juncture in a season that has not gone as planned.
 
Gold Coast assistant coach Andy Lovell echoed a sentiment expressed by Eade throughout his tenure: setting standards are critical for sustained success in this caper.
 
“It’s not the first time in the history of our game and it probably won’t be the last time that young players have an error in judgement. But for us, it was about making sure that they understood the standards that we expect as a footy club,” Lovell told reporters on Friday in Perth.
 
“Hopefully they learn that in AFL footy, it’s team first, second and third and that’s what was really important for us to make that statement.
 
“Whilst it was disappointing that those boys did what they did, but on a positive note, they went back to our NEAFL side and their intent and their attitude was fantastic.
 
“It’s not a matter of them just going back as a punishment and then being brought straight back into the team. The instructions to them were really clear and really strong by the coach was that they had to go back and they had to, not only perform well, but their intent had to be really strong and they did that.
 
“They played really strong team footy and played their role in the team and that’s what’s got them back into the side ultimately.”
 
An abundance of class and experience still remains on the sidelines and in the stands at the moment. Therefore, the true test will come on Saturday night to see if Bennell, McKenzie and Matera can bring the same effort and intensity that they showcased in the NEAFL to Domain Stadium.