Jack Bowes has edged closer to a round one appearance in his hometown of Cairns after excelling in wet conditions at Gold Coast's intraclub match on Friday.
The SUNS were forced to move their first major hit-out from Bond University back to Metricon Stadium's training field after torrential rain lashed the region in the previous 24 hours.
Bowes continued his strong pre-season, showing poise and clean skills far beyond his 20 years in the wet weather.
"He's got a really good handle on himself now and what it takes to be an AFL footballer," senior assistant coach Dean Solomon said.
"He was really good today.
"He's just starting to believe in himself.
"He's made some really good improvements over pre-season, but as we all know, he's got to transfer that to game day."
Bowes will be desperate to play in the opening round as Gold Coast 'hosts' North Melbourne in his hometown of Cairns.
Taken at No.10 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, Bowes played 11 matches last year, primarily at half-back, but featured more in the midfield and wing on Friday.
Solomon said Gold Coast would likely play its best team in the JLT Series opener against Geelong in Townsville on March 4.
New coach Stuart Dew would have been impressed with what he saw on Friday, with the match being split into thirds of 30 minutes, 30 minutes and 20 minutes.
Although clean football was difficult in the conditions – heavy rain fell for much of the match - fringe players Bowes, Will Brodie and Brayden Fiorini shone, as did Fremantle recruit Lachie Weller.
Alex Sexton kicked three goals playing forward.
Captains Steven May and Tom Lynch, along with Pearce Hanley and Rory Thompson, were given early marks, while veteran Michael Rischitelli thrived at half-back.
"We'd like to think we've got a brand of footy that stands up in dry and wet conditions," Solomon said.
"To get a hit-out like that where it's body-on-body contact is a good start to the season.
"To get those conditions and watch our style of play in action … was good to see."
