In a season where outside noise has raised concerns over the state of leadership at the Gold Coast SUNS, coach Rodney Eade says key forward Tom Lynch epitomises the growth his young side is making in this area.
 
Injuries have decimated the games 17th franchise mercessly this season and the football gods have not discriminated with a thick blend of seasoned campaigners and young talent being wiped out through a never-before-seen calamity.
 
In a tumultuous season at Metricon Stadium, Eade revealed young spearhead Lynch has been the poster boy for the substantial growth the SUNS have made this year.
 
“He’s been terrific, even in the games where he hasn’t played very well, he competes really well, his voice is terrific, his leadership is growing week by week,” Eade told SUNS TV on Thursday afternoon.
 
“As I’ve said a number of times, probably people outside the four walls don’t see it but our leadership is really getting some traction internally. So we’ve been really pleased with that growth. Tom really epitomises that as much as anybody.”
 
After a three game absence due to a lingering groin issue, rookie revelation Adam Saad returns on the weekend. The 21-year-old has been one of the stories of the season this year, with his breathtaking runs out of defensive 50 captivating not only Gold Coast supporters, but also the game as a whole.
 
The mature-aged rookie fell victim to an overbearing workload due to the comprehensive injury toll in Carrara. With just six games remaining, Eade is confident the rebounding defender can get through the remainder of 2015 without any further setbacks.
 
“It’s a big load for a young lad. He probably hasn’t previously done a really big preseason program,” Eade said.
 
“It will be a week by week, but hopefully we can manage him and he can finish the season off well.”
 
Saad’s exciting debut season could be just the tip of the iceberg, with Eade confident the Coburg product can significantly improve with another proper preseason under his belt.
 
“For what he’s done, really for a lack of physical development over the years, I think it’s been exceptional,” Eade said.
 
“So with another pre season, (once he) strengthens his body up, especially his core. There’s no doubt he can improve as a footballer."