The Gold Coast SUNS will welcome 11 players into their first game for the club this Saturday night at People First Stadium, with eight of those players coming through the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy.
For many of the young SUNS, their connection stretches back to junior football on the Gold Coast. Now they will take the next step onto the AFLW stage together.
The significance of the moment was evident with the 11 players awarded their first guernseys on Thursday morning in front of their teammates, as well as the SUNS AFL program plus Academy and administration staff.
Gold Coast AFLW Head Coach Rhyce Shaw believes that existing connection has put the group in a strong position heading into Round 1.
“A lot of them have played junior club footy together since they were 11 or 12,” Shaw said.
“It’s probably been six or seven years together and the five draftees we got last year played with that group growing up as well.
“Everyone knows each other pretty well and they know how to function together, which is really exciting.”
That familiarity has also given Shaw confidence to hand so many young players their opportunity at once in Round 1.
The 10 players that will make their AFLW debut is a competition record, topping the previous record set at eight.
“They've been playing senior footy at a proper level for a couple of years, so they're used to it,” Shaw added.
“The majority of them have played most of the practice games throughout the pre-season. So we're in a really good spot.
“In terms of selection, we're lucky enough to have a lot to choose from this week.”
For Shaw, there is something particularly special about watching players who have grown up together reach the elite level side-by-side.
“I think part of the romantic side of footy is coming together and playing with your best mates,” SUNS AFLW Head Coach said.
“Literally your best mates from school, from junior footy, and you get to play at the elite level with them. It's pretty cool.
“That's what's pretty special about our group. As a whole, we're really connected and we're just looking forward to the season.”
The young group will also be supported by an experienced core, with new recruit Anne Hatchard set to make her club debut this weekend alongside the young SUNS.
“You can't really undersell her. She's obviously been there and done that,” Shaw shared.
“She wants to keep improving and be a better player.”
After a long pre-season, the SUNS are ready to put their work to the test, with Shaw eager to see the young group embrace the challenge against the Bulldogs.
“We want to win every game we go out there and play,” Shaw said.
“We're picking a team this week to win the game against the Bulldogs.
“Hopefully we show what we're all about, what our standards are, what our identity is.”
Saturday night’s season opener gets underway at 7:15pm, with entry to People First Stadium including your ticket to a pre-game watch party for the SUNS v Lions AFL match in the Fifth Quarter Bar from 4:15pm.
