The SUNS 2025 VFL campaign is set to launch in Round Two with a clash against the Casey Demons next Saturday at Casey Fields.
The SUNS had its final pre-season hitout last Saturday against the Brisbane Lions at Brighton Homes Arena and are now forced to wait a week before its opening game with a Round 1 bye.
Several of the club’s new recruits caught the eye of VFL Head Coach Tate Kaesler, including the likes of Asher Eastham and Max Knobel.
“It was one of those games where the opportunities to play our system was our main focus,” Kaesler said.
“Asher has been really good in terms of understanding the system and getting to know the way he plays.
“Big Knobes up forward showed some really good signs of what he can bring this year. Obviously, he is predominantly going to be a ruck but with Moyley playing as well it’s just allowed him to build his craft as a forward.”
Kaesler is placing a heavy focus on development this season, ensuring the boys are primed for the big stage and AFL opportunities if they arise
“We are going to make sure that we are playing and coaching them at AFL standards so that they play that way and so they’re ready to go as quickly as possible,” Kaesler added.
“If that means that we play finals footy and they get that experience as well, well that’s really an added bonus for us.
“Our job as coaches [is] to get them into the AFL side as quickly as possible and play the system that Damien Hardwick’s after at our level.
“Lachie Gulbin, for example, played a trial game in the AFL which was really impressive and he showed that he can play at the level.”
StreetsSmart Academy graduate Gulbin, premiered the SUNS guernsey for the first time in the triple-treat trial against Collingwood and Brisbane earlier this year and will be one of many hopefuls to earn a debut in the AFL later this season.
With several players expected to return to availability for the clash against the Demons,
Kaesler is eager to launch the season.
“We are probably going to get five or six guys back that didn’t play on our team in the trial on the weekend so that’s going to add some real experience to our group,” Kaesler said.
“We’re really excited for this week of training. We’ll have a solid session on Saturday and then make sure that we’re primed and ready to go against Casey next Saturday.”
First bounce is at 9:05am AEST. Tune into the SUNS VFL on the official AFL Live App and VFL website next Saturday, March 29.
