The Gold Coast NEAFL side will be looking to secure their third consecutive victory of the season when they run out against the Brisbane Lions at Coorparoo tomorrow afternoon.
The three-time premiership player has done a tremendous job moulding his super-talented playing group this year with the NEAFL SUNS now targeting a third possible finals series appearance following their 29-point victory over the UWS Giants last weekend which enabled them to retain fourth spot in the northern conference standings.
The Gold Coasters have endured mixed results against their QCLASH rivals so far this season, however the 2011 Norm Smith Medallist is adamant his Gold Coasters are a different side this week than the team the Lion’s played against at Metricon Stadium earlier this year and in Mackay for the inaugural ANZAC Day clash.
“The first time against them we simply ran out of men,” he said.
“At one stage mid-way through the second quarter we were about one goal down, but then were limited with our rotations in the fourth quarters with injuries and they kicked ten goals on us… so that certainly factored in the final result.
“We’ve certainly made areas of improvement since that game.”
Omitted seniors Steven May and Jack Hutchins are set to lead from the front for the reserves this weekend, with their added-experience and girth to give the side’s Academy stars extra firing power around the contested football.
“Their inclusion certainly gives us some bigger bodies and experience since we lose Kyal Horsley, Michael Rischitelli and Timmy Sumner to senior selection this week,” Hart said.
“But it gives another opportunity for these two guys to lead the way for our side.”
With rookie-forward Josh Hall, Liam Patrick and Maverick Weller having been on the brink of senior selection this week, Hart is encouraging all his senior-listed players to maintain the level of match-day intensity they have shown in recent weeks.
“The message has definitely been sent to the boys to maintain the level of AFL intensity which we have demonstrated against Morningside and the Giants,” he said.
“It’s imperative that they continue to play like AFL players so that when their number is called, they’ll be able to show they possess the qualities needed to perform at the highest level.”
Gold Coast SUNS Vice Captain Nathan Bock also returns for the Club’s NEAFL team after a lengthy period in rehabilitation, the former All Australian joining defender Seb Tape playing his second match back after rupturing his ACL last season.
Tomorrows match gets underway at 1:30pm at the Lions Giffin Park grounds at Coorparoo.
