After weeks of repetitive conditioning and development work, the Gold Coast SUNS were given their first taste of fierce match simulation at training yesterday.

Dividing into two teams of 18, the squad played four x seven minute quarters as part of the training session. 

In the brief encounter, Jaeger O’Meara put to bed any suggestions the 2013 NAB Rising Star might fall victim to “second-year blues”, producing a dominant display on the Metricon Stadium training field. 

Fellow midfield accomplice David Swallow was equally impressive on the opposing team, finding plenty of the football. 

His ultra-competitive game style nearly came to a head though, the midfield supremo coming close to colliding with Steven May after both players had eyes only for the football.  

Key forward Tom Lynch showed promising signs in front of goals, pulling in at least four contest marks and creating numerous scoring opportunities. 

Hopefully Jack Martin’s flashes of brilliance is just a sign of things to come in 2014, the wiry teenager weaving his way through at least four opposition players at one stage before setting up a teammate inside the forward arc. 

More pleasingly for the GC SUNS coaching staff though was his exceptional accuracy by foot and hand, countlessly delivering the ball with fantastic precision.

Jackson Allen showed dangerous signs as a high half-forward, and Harley Bennell was his usual-best through the middle. 

GC SUNS defensive coach Dean Solomon told goldcoastfc.com.au it was pleasing to see the players execute their skills under match pressure and fatigue.

“It was good to see the guys out on the playing field after a long period of training and running and finally putting some of the structures in place,” he said.

“Our game plan has been tweaked over the summer and we have been going through a lot of structure work behind the scenes and making sure our game plan is set right.

“As coaches it is really important to see it on the field and see if the boys can execute it under game pressure and game fatigue.”

Defensively, the players looked sharp, sticking tackles and applying constant pressure in all areas of the ground. 

Although delighted with their enhanced defensive skills, Solomon confirmed that the playing list still had plenty of room for improvement. 

“They are certainly improving, we won’t know until Round 1, but all the signs so far are good.

“They now the importance of team defensive and I can’t fault them on that so far this pre-season.”