Fresh off a historic first victory over the Brisbane Lions, the Gold Coast SUNS enter the final stretch of the home-and-away season on a five-game winning streak.
New recruit Anne Hatchard enjoyed her first QClash but says the SUNS aren’t getting ahead of themselves.
“It is exciting when you beat teams like Brisbane, it was a fun bus ride back home” Hatchard said.
“It’s also (about) keeping it somewhat contained because we’ve got more work to do and we can’t just be happy with these few wins.
“We want to keep grinding and keep winning and (ultimately) be one of those sides that people don’t want to face.”
As the SUNS look for their maiden win over the second-placed Melbourne Demons, Hatchard is excited to play in Mackay for the first time this weekend.
“It’s a good chance to test ourselves against one of the benchmarks,” Hatchard said.
“They move the ball so well. Their handball chains, the way they move through the corridor, they’re just a very skilful team.
“It’ll be an exciting challenge.”
Qclash Medal recipient and midfield counterpart Charlie Rowbottom continues to be a standout on the field for the SUNS this season.
The SUNS vice-captain is averaging a career-high 31.3 disposals per game and has polled the maximum 10 votes in the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award in each of the past four games.
Hatchard has had a front-row seat to the young gun’s standout form.
“Charlie’s on fire, almost 40 disposals in her last three games,” Hatchard added
“She’s an absolute superstar. Honestly, I just watch her in awe.
“The way she trained through the pre-season, I’m not surprised that she’s playing this way.
“I absolutely love playing beside her.”
Having also been deployed further up the field, the three-time premiership player has seen plenty of promise in the young SUNS.
In just her second season, 2025 leading goalkicker Havana Harris (10 goals) has solidified her presence in the SUNS forward line, with fellow StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduates Alannah Welsh (eight), Ava Usher (seven) and Sunny Lappin (six) all also making an immediate impact.
Rising Star nominee Dekota Baron (five goals) is also making a name for herself, having scored a Goal of the Year contender in addition to two Mark of the Year nominations in just five games.
“With the experience I’ve had, I was just excited to be around these young girls,” Hatchard shared.
“For us to start the year like this, I’m over the moon. It’s been awesome.
“The fact that they’ve been able to take so much on through this pre-season and to come out and do this. I can only see us keep improving from here.
