The gutsy determination shown by the Gold Coast SUNS in their Saturday night nail-biter against AFL powerhouse Essendon, is exactly what Senior Coach Guy McKenna has been looking for.
Stand out favourites Essendon, conceded two quarters to McKenna’s young side but were 17 points up at the final siren, in what would have been one of the upsets of the season had the GC SUNS held off the Bombers forward line in the dying minutes of the fourth.
McKenna is keeping a level head, saying while there’s obviously room for improvement there were some outstanding individual performances, and it’s pleasing to see the boys gel on field when the pressure is on.
“There’s no doubt that was the first game this year where we showed we were making a big effort. We got in, won the contested footy, won some clearances and were able to show our members and fans the style of footy we want to play.
“To break it down, it just clicked. The boys engaged their brains. We’ve worked them fairly hard and as a group they realised what is required, to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.”
After a record-breaking start to the season, Gary Ablett’s freakish form not only thrills those here at Metricon Stadium who witness it, with McKenna saying his skipper is setting valuable benchmarks on and off the playing surface.
“Gary’s ability to continually back up and win the contested footy is amazing. His 44 disposals (27 of them contested), 13 clearances, 11 hard ball gets and 2 goals, it’s just impressive.
“I don’t think there’s any more he could do. His performances have been fantastic. He probably only touched it 44 times on Saturday night, which means there’s very little fumbling going on. When he gets the ball he makes it count.”
Bluey has implored his young charges to take Gary’s lead. To consistently bring that effort to the table, work hard on the areas that need improvement and play like their lives depend on it.
“The effort was there and we put Essendon under the pump, which we haven’t been able to do to our opposition for a long time. Every time we go out there we play to win, we just haven’t been able to deliver on that yet this season.
Metricon Stadium was buzzing as Gold Coast SUNS members and fans watched on, the anticipation palpable as the young SUNS mounted a spirited defence. The team was humble in their defeat forming a guard of honour for Dustin Fletcher’s monumental 350th game.
McKenna said the feeling in the rooms after the match was one of ‘close, but not close enough’.
“I know the fact we haven’t won at home yet hurts the group as far as wanting to get a win for our members and fans. I’m desperate to get a home win for our supporters, but the way we played and the effort the team put in this weekend was a win in my mind.
“It felt like we had a crowd of 40,000 out there and the boys found their mojo. I’m sure with the ongoing support and consistent effort in time (when we tweak a few things) a home win is around the corner. I can’t wait for that. It’s going to be a special night when we do eventually crack that first win at Metricon Stadium.”
Switching the focus forward, this weekend is Round 4 and the third instalment of the QClash between the Gold Coast SUNS and the Brisbane Lions – tally board currently at one win a piece. There’s a strong rivalry building both on and off the field and there has been a fair bit of mudslinging in the lead up to the first games.
“Locally there’s been some intensity in this QClash rivalry, and from the players there’s a big element of pride. Queensland is now divided in two, and it’s important to the boys to be able to walk around with their heads held high.
“It’s going to be a competitive game, which will require a competitive effort from both sides and after Saturday someone will go ahead, let’s hope it’s us.”
The GC SUNS take on the Lions in QClash3 this Saturday (April 21) at 7.40pm - Tickets available from ticketmaster.com.au.
