An elated Sumner spoke exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au immediately after receiving the exciting news that he would make his debut against the AFL heavyweights this weekend.
“Bluey (McKenna) just came up to me straight after match committee while I was with Jesse Lonergan and Josh Hall, gave me a pat on the back and asked me what my plans were for this weekend,” Sumner said.
“He asked me if I’d like a game of footy, I said yes, then told me I would get a run through the forward pocket.
“After a lot of hard work and the right attitude, I finally got there – so I’m pretty excited,” Sumner said.
While the first team call-up “completely shook my world”, Sumner said his family down in South Australia had been filled with emotion when told he’d be given the nod to run out against Geelong in for the Round 10 clash.
“I spoke with my grandparents, uncles and my two brothers and they got a bit teary,” he said.
“They’re pretty proud of my efforts and how far I’ve come, and are really excited to see me get out there and play this weekend.”
Despite being a strong overhead mark, a clean user of the football and a great finisher at goals, Sumner knew he had to improve his defensive efforts before he’d be given the chance to test his potential at the elite level.
“While I’ve seen a lot of improvement in my progress one particular area has been my defensive efforts,” said Sumner.
“I’ve sat in senior match committee with forward’s coach Mark Riley and all he talks about is defensive efforts, and so that has certainly been an area of my game which I’ve worked tirelessly towards improving.”
While his maiden AFL match will be no walk in the park, with the side set to go head-to-head against the 2nd ranked premiership side in the league, the 18-year-old is confident he can perform his role for the Gold Coasters and rise to the occasion.
“Geelong is a very strong side, but I think if the boys start off well then we’ll give ourselves every opportunity to compete,” he said.
“Hopefully, if I lift my defensive work-rate and stay alert offensively, then I will also give myself every chance of getting a few touches and playing some good footy for the team.”
