Only halfway into the Smithy’s VFL season, VFL Head Coach Tate Kaesler is thrilled with some of the AFL opportunities earned by a handful of SUNS on the back of strong form in the VFL squad.
The likes of Brayden Fiorini, Malcolm Rosas Jnr and Ned Moyle have all stepped up to the AFL on the back of form at VFL level, and with plenty of footy still to come, Kaesler’s confident more names will continue to emerge and push for AFL selection.
“As a development coach, that part of the VFL program is really exciting and it's really important for us to keep putting selection pressure on the AFL team,” Kaesler said.
“The big focus we have with the younger group is to continue their development and make sure that they have consistency in their performances on a week-to-week basis so that they can continually put their names up.
“Guys like Ben Jepson have been really consistent this whole season and he's still really knocking on the door to get that opportunity when one arises.”
As pathways into the AFL emerge, the message remains clear - consistency is key.
“Brayden Fiorini had five or six weeks of outstanding performances and continued to play at the level required, and that's when you always get that opportunity,” Kaesler emphasised.
“In the end, he sort of forced the door down at selection.
“So, for the guys underneath, they can see a pathway that if you continually play and keep consistent in your performance and play your role each week, then the opportunities will come, and it's making sure that you're ready when that opportunity does come.”
Exciting opportunities are also opening up for the next generation, with several prospects from the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy in the mix to make the step into the VFL setup later this year.
“[In our role] it’s about making sure that we keep giving those boys opportunities to perform at a higher level as well,” Kaesler added.
“On the weekend, we had Max Hudson and Cooper Collins play out of our Academy, so hopefully over the next few weeks we'll see a few of those other boys get the opportunity as well.”
The SUNS are set to face the Geelong Cats at GMHBA Stadium this Sunday at 11.05am. Stream all the action via AFL.com.au, the AFL Live Official App and the VFL App.
