Visit SUNS TV for the full post match press conference
Gold Coast SUNS coach Guy McKenna believes defender Campbell Brown does not need to impose his physical presence to have an impact on his younger teammates.
His comments come after two incidents involving Brown – both occurring in the first-half – is sure to draw attention of the match review panel in the aftermath of the GC SUNS 71-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Bulldogs youngster Callan Ward left the ground in the hands of the trainers after an errant elbow from Brown behind the play in the first term, while the former Hawk made front-on contact after forward Barry Hall put his head over the ball during the second quarter.
"I don’t feel like he has to, because I am very encouraged by the way our team attacks the footy and how hard they are putting their head over the ball and protecting their teammates," he said of Brown’s aggressive nature on the field.
"These boys can stand on their own two feet. The sooner we all step up to the line and do that, we are obviously going to be better off."
The GC SUNS coach admitted the possible loss of the tough defender could be costly to his team on the field, with his senior leadership and attack on the contest setting the example for his younger teammates.
"We know that the strength he brings to the group is his attack on the footy," he said.
"We know he plays it hard and tough and for him it's about making sure we play within the rules because we know what he provides for the footy side and the best place for him to provide that is on the field."
McKenna was pleased with the improvement his young side showed against the Bulldogs, with the coach adamant his side is on the right track after their 119-point loss to Carlton the previous week.
"The boys looked better for longer parts of the game playing together, so naturally that makes you feel a bit warmer inside," he said.
"To lose the second half by 26-points, it's certainly a more satisfying result if you know what I mean.”
"Inch-by-inch, metre by metre, we are filling up our tanks, exposing each other to each other’s style of football and trying to play a brand of football that we can be proud of."
After the improved performance against the Bulldogs, McKenna said his team would take plenty of confidence into their clash against Melbourne next Sunday at the Gabba.
"It’s just baby steps at the moment but at least we are moving forward, not moving backwards."
