Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade was far from happy with his side’s performance against Brisbane on Saturday night, despite the SUNS recording just their third win of the season to leapfrog Carlton into 16th position on the ladder.
In the tenth edition of the QClash, Eade’s side was never able to put away a Brisbane side that has won only twice this season (and not since round seven) and remained within striking distance for the duration of the night.
In a blunt appraisal of his team’s performance, the veteran coach expressed his disappointment with his side’s effort and suggested that more than half of his side were below par in the win. Although, the ability to scrounge a win despite a lack of contribution, was a pleasing aspect for Eade.
“I think having so many players down, to be able to win was a pleasing aspect of it. There was so many that really didn’t play that well tonight,” Eade told the media following the SUNS' 14-point win at the Gabba on Saturday night.
“Normally when you have ten or 12 that don’t play well, you probably lose. Those guys that didn’t play well hung in there, and the other blokes lifted which was good.
“I think we can play so much better. I was disappointed in some individuals really.”
During a turbulent first season at Metricon Stadium, one that has been marred by a rarely before seen injury toll and concerns regarding fitness and conditioning, Eade has gradually got his side to play with the endeavour he demands.
Despite a couple of lapses in effort, Eade explained how Gold Coast has made strong progress in terms of development since travelling to Perth to play West Coast in round seven.
But on Saturday night, despite claiming premiership points for only the fourth time this year, Eade was disappointed with his side’s inability to follow instruction at times against the Lions.
“Every game we’ve played maybe since the first West Coast game has been a learning and I’ve been really pleased with effort in most of those games, probably two that we haven’t since then,” Eade said.
“Even when we’ve lost, I’ve been really thrilled with guys taking steps forward.
“I thought tonight, what we showed in the third quarter and the first ten minutes of the first quarter, to be able to relax on the back of that, fiddle with the ball and not play to instructions was disappointing.
“But again, that’s a learning and we’ve got to take some learnings out of that.”
'I think we can play so much better'
Rodney Eade was far from happy with his side’s performance against Brisbane on Saturday night, despite the SUNS recording just their third win of the season.
