Speaking on FOX FOOTY’s On the Couch, the former chief football writer for the Herald Sun aired his confidence in the expansion side on national television, believing the Gold Coast had overcome their growing pains and were on course towards climbing out of the bottom bracket of the AFL premiership ladder.
“They are coming,” a convinced Sheahan said.
“They have the best player in the competition (Gary Ablett) but have plenty of young blokes also starting to make their mark – O’Meara is one, Prestia… they’re beginning to run and take on the game.”
Brownlow Medallist Gerald Healy also said the club’s immediate future was looking bright after signing Jack Martin to a five-year contract extension, while premiership coach Paul Roos said there were genuine signs of improvement in the Gold Coast’s young brigade of talented players.
“There’s no doubt they’re developing and are able to stay in games longer,” Roos said.
“They’re fitter and have got some genuine talent which we know about.”
With the Gold Coast boasting a balanced win-loss record (4-5), and well on it’s way towards smashing it’s previous premiership season win tally (claiming three wins in 2011 and 2012), Roos said the club had earned the respect competition rivals.
“At this stage of the season their 4-5, they’re not getting smashed anymore and are actually really competitive.
“I think at 4-5 it’s a big tick for the SUNS.”
