Gold Coast SUNS forwards Brodie McLaughlin and Chris Burgess both enjoyed the 128-point VFL smashing of the Blues which saw them crowned as joint Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal winners.
Burgess who kicked eight goals has been a model of consistency and the VFL’s most dominant forward for a second consecutive season whilst McLaughlin who added five majors himself, has evidently made a large impact in his first year in the red and gold.
The pair finished tied atop the VFL goalkicking charts with 51 goals apiece.
McLaughlin said that the pair have become good friends and that the best result possible occurred.
“It was pretty special… Me and Burger are great mates,” McLaughlin said.
“We joked about it through the week and said hopefully we would get a draw.
Unaware of what was about to unfold, Burgess assumed that the Frosty Medal was going to McLaughlin.
“I didn’t think I was going to get him (Brodie),” Burgess said.
“I am happy that we were able to kick a few goals each and get the tie, it’s good for the club.”
Burgess trailed McLaughlin by three goals prior to the first bounce but kicked the first two majors of the match, then proceeded to have six at the main break after slotting one on the half-time siren.
“He started like a house on fire, and I was able to catch up a little bit,” McLaughlin stated.
McLaughlin also recognised the significance of Burgess winning the award in back-to-back seasons.
“It’s honestly really special to be able to draw it with him, he is an absolute legend who has put two years in a row now of great VFL performances,” McLaughlin emphasised.
“After the game… we gave each other a big hug.”
Although individual accolades are great, McLaughlin knows that the job is not done yet as the SUNS prepare for a second consecutive VFL Finals series after claiming the minor premiership after the Blues win.
“We are absolutely ecstatic, it’s been a fantastic year for all of us,” McLaughlin mentioned.
“It has been pretty special and we can’t wait to crack into finals.”
The SUNS will host the Brisbane Lions next weekend at Heritage Bank Stadium with the final date and time to be confirmed.
