The Gold Coast SUNS’ forward line has been left shorthanded the past couple of weeks, but Tom Lynch said it will have no excuse if it doesn’t shape up against Melbourne on Sunday.
Charlie Dixon has missed the past two matches with a groin issue, Brandon Matera was rubbed out of the Hawthorn loss after pleading guilty to a rough conduct charge, while Sam Day has spent plenty of time assisting Tom Nicholls in the ruck, leaving Lynch as the focal point up forward.
The 21-year-old was a key figure in the win over Brisbane with 14 touches, seven marks and a goal, but like most of his teammates, he found the going tough against the Hawks as his side bombed the ball long in to contests as the game wore on.
The GC SUNS booted just one goal after half-time in the loss to Hawthorn, and Lynch said he and his men inside the forward 50 need to make more of an impact on the scoreboard this weekend.
“I think we’ve sort of got to lift our output a little bit,” Lynch said.
“Daysie (Sam Day) has been going pretty well; he kicked three against the Lions.
“It will be good to get Charlie back. Definitely not using that as an excuse. Got to stand up this week and kick a few goals and play more of a part in the game.”
The Melbourne backline is likely to have a different look after a five-star performance from former All Australian defender James Frawley against Carlton last week. Playing as a key forward, he raked in a whopping 14 marks in the 23-point win over the Blues and kicked two goals for good measure.
Demons coach Paul Roos has rubber stamped Frawley’s continued presence in the forward 50 this week, but Lynch doesn’t think that will make the job any easier for the SUNS’ goalkicking options.
“I think they’ve still got good defenders down there.
“Tom McDonald is going pretty well. They’ve put Jeremy Howe back. You’ve got to watch him. He’ll jump on your head if you give him a chance.
“We’ve looked at the numbers and the Dees’ backline have done pretty well one-on-one so far this season.
“We’re excited to play at the MCG and that’s what it’s all about.”
Lynch kicked two goals in the SUNS’ 60-point win over the Demons at the ‘G last season.
