Jarrod Harbrow is the only player at Metricon Stadium who has previously been coached by Rodney Eade, and he has revealed his former mentor has brought a new direction to the club since becoming Gold Coast’s second senior coach.
Harbrow and Eade spent four seasons together at the Western Bulldogs between 2007-2010.
The running utility played in nine finals in his first four seasons in the AFL, but since joining the SUNS for their maiden season in 2011, September has become a time for holiday and not for playing football. It’s something Harbrow believes will change in 2015.
“I played under him for four years, we had a bit of success at the Bulldogs. I think in my first season we finished thirteenth and then the next three years after that we made the prelim three years in a row,” Harbrow told SUNS TV.
“I got to know Rocket quite well, formed a pretty good relationship with him. It’s pretty exciting for him to join the SUNS now and I think he’s been awesome for the group so far.
“He’s brought a new flavour and new coaching method and game plan and style and stuff like that to the group. But I think the boys are embracing it quite well and we’re looking forward to playing a few more final series coming up.”
Two-thirds of the way through last season, the SUNS looked destined for a debut finals series berth. But, following a devastating injury to Gary Ablett, the club limped to the end of the season, ruing a missed opportunity that looked in reach only months earlier.
Harbrow admits playing finals football this season is important for the development of the young crop of stars that is blossoming at Carrara.
“It would be good to just get there, get to the finals in this season coming up. I think the boys are pretty hungry for it, we are certainly training the house down, pre-season’s got off to a great start and that’s we’re all here to play for,” he said.
“We’re here to make the finals and give the top four a really good shake up. Everything we’re doing on and off the field right now is leaning towards a maiden finals berth.”
The former rookie has carved out a reputation as a person who provides new draftees with guidance when they first enter the AFL system and ongoing support thereafter.
Harbrow wouldn’t label it as a designated leadership role, explaining that mentoring just came naturally to him and something he perceived as important for players joining a new football club.
