What to expect
Gold Coast will be looking to minimise the damage already inflicted upon them this season as they take on the Hawks at Aurora Stadium on Saturday.
Despite only trailing by 10 points late in the second quarter, the Suns were convincingly beaten by in their Round 8 clash with Collingwood, who finished the day 69-point winners.
A lack of defensive pressure and missed opportunities in front of goal left Coach Rodney Eade to lament his side’s performance.
“First quarter was disappointing because I don’t think we followed instructions, we handballed too much, which was against the grain so we invited their pressure,” he said post-match.
“Second quarter was a bit more of our method, and we thought, (to get) it back to ten points, was pleasing. A couple of silly mistakes at the end of that second quarter cost us.
“The margin was pretty disappointing in the end really.
Eade also rued the Suns’ compounding injury list and lack of experience.
“With so many players that haven’t played 10, 15 games, that fatigue level kicks in and maybe mistakes grind down the mental aspect as well.
“We’ve just got to hang in tough and they’ve got to learn that this is this resilience I’ve spoken about, that we’ve got to be able to learn that and be able to hang in games.”
The Suns hold an average losing margin of 62 points against the Hawks in Launceston.
Players to Watch
Despite their heavy loss at the hands of the Magpies, Charlie Dixon was one shining light for the Suns, with the key forward’s four-goal performance earning praise from Rodney Eade.
“I thought Charlie was our best.
“His effort, and his willingness to chase and put pressure (on), as well as giving us a target, so its full credit to him.
“He’s really leading from the front.”
Michael Rischitelli has also continued to stand up in the absence of captain Gary Ablett, with the midfielder consistently amongst the Suns’ best, averaging almost 26 disposals a game this year.
Potential Changes
Already decimated by injury, the Suns will be without Dion Prestia who currently leads the side for clearances, disposals and contested possessions, after the on-baller suffered a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee.
However, key-defender Steven May is set to return from suspension, while Jack Martin is reportedly doing all he can to be fit for the Indigenous Round clash with the Hawks.
Andrew Boston and Matt Shaw were named the Suns’ best in the NEAFL with both gathering 30-plus disposals, with Greg Broughton also amongst the best players.
Draftee Peter Wright may also be considered for his debut after kicking eight goals in his last three games.
