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Of all the Gold Coast SUNS injuries in 2012, ruckman Daniel Gorringe probably had claims to being the unluckiest SUN, snapping his achilles tendon and wiping out his entire second season.
 

But he took it in his stride and completed his rehab and is ready for a big pre-season.

"Obviously I missed the whole year which was disappointing," Gorringe said.

I had surgery about four months ago now, but I have been back doing full training for three weeks now.

"I had done rehab running for the first two months, but have now been elevated to the main group and all seems to be going well."

Gorringe was full of praise for the new High Performance Team at the GC SUNS, and knows it's time for the workloads to lift.

"They said it is going to be pretty tough, which you would expect," he said.

The first two years obviously with young blokes we have taken it a little easier, but most of us are into our third year so it is time to step it up a fair bit.

"It's going to be pretty solid."

"So far they have come in and made a number of good changes which the boys are really happy with so we are on the plan for a much improved season."

With a trip to Arizona for the GC SUNS training camp looming, Gorringe said the surprise factor was gone and the second version looms as a tough assignment.

"It is going to be a lot tougher this time around," he said.

The first year was more exciting because we didn't know what to expect; it was a new destination. Second time around I think some of us are dreading it but we know what the gains are out of it so we know it is definitely worth it.

Gorringe took the opportunity to head home to South Australia in the off season and catch up with the family for a couple of weeks, and in his own words "took it very easy."

The GC SUNS ruck depth in 2012 was tested, but the emergence of Charlie Dixon as a second ruck option ensures there is plenty of jostling for positions, which Gorringe relishes.

"There is plenty of competition for spots which is good," he said.

"That is what you want in a club, to try and make yourself better and make others better."

I'm looking forward to some healthy competition in 2013, and getting better.

Gorringe is hoping for a change of luck in 2013, with his first two seasons ravaged by injury and restricting him to just eight games.

"I want to get my body right and play as many games as I can and have a big season," he said.

"It will be my first full season of AFL virtually, with injuries in my first two years so I'm looking forward to it.
Gorringe also joked that he is looking forward to a more prominent role with SUNS TV after the retirement of Josh Fraser.

"I am hoping to get a lot more gigs, with Frase (Josh Fraser) gone, who was the man behind it," he chuckled.

I am looking forward to a big year on SUNS TV as well.