The Gold Coast SUNS VFL team will be looking to improve upon last year’s Preliminary Final exit this weekend when they battle Box Hill on Saturday afternoon for a place in the 2023 VFL Grand Final.

Coming into Saturday with a week off, SUNS midfielder James Tsitas is happy with how the group has trained.

“The boys are excited, we trained really well on Saturday and had a really big training session again on Wednesday,” Tsitas said.

“The boys are primed and ready to go.”

Week one of finals saw the SUNS defeat Brisbane by 43-points giving Tsitas great belief in the side’s ability to be the last team standing.

“It does give us a lot of confidence, the boys were really resolute, and the game probably wasn’t on our terms at all times,” Tsitas stated.

“Some of the efforts defensively to win the ball back and then kicking into our really potent forward line fills me with a lot of confidence.”

Having captained Geelong’s VFL team in the past, Tsitas’ leadership is undeniable however the 28-year-old mentions that he is just one of many in the side.

“The boys are great to lead, and it is just a great group to be a part of,” Tsitas mentioned.

“We have got leaders everywhere, a lot of players with AFL experience and really good footy heads so we have got a whole heap of leaders across all lines,” he added.

Tsitas says that a big focus point has been on the SUNS contested work as well as the transition from defence to offence but is very confident in the team’s ability this year.

“Being a midfielder, we want to execute in the contest, I think we need to be a bit better than what we were against Brisbane,” Tsitas stated.

“Big desperation on defence to get the ball back because we know what we can do when we get the ball in our hands.

“We need to work really hard to get the ball and that will generate our offence.

“I am really confident in all three lines,” he highlighted.

The disappointment from last year is evident and Tsitas is hopeful that the boys can go a step further this week.

“To get so close last year and not execute on Preliminary Final day was disappointing,” he said.

“It’ll be good to hopefully go one step further and make the Grand Final.”

Entry to Heritage Bank Stadium is free via Gate 1 from 2:30pm ahead of a 3:00pm first bounce.

If you can’t get to the game, the match will be broadcasted on the Seven network (check your local guide) and 7plus.