Gold Coast’s round five opponent shapes up to be the SUNS’ toughest challenge yet, both on paper and on form.
North Melbourne remains the only undefeated team in the AFL after four rounds, boasting the most potent attack in the competition led by a trio of tall forwards in Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite and Ben Brown.
SUNS coach Rodney Eade admitted his side faces an enormous task against the Kangaroos on Saturday at Metricon Stadium.
“They’re playing some very good footy. They haven’t got many injuries, if any,” Eade told United Coaches Chat.
“They’ve got their best side on the park; they’ve got a good blend of experience with some speed and some tall forwards.
“So obviously that’s going to be a test for us with Rory Thompson out and Steven May. But the way we’ve moved this week, the energy levels are back up so I think we’re a good show of ourselves.”
In addition to the three talls, North Melbourne has a large array of weaponry at their disposal with crumbers Brent Harvey, Shaun Higgins and Lindsay Thomas all dangerous at the fall of the ball.
Brad Scott also has a handful of midfielders capable of impacting the scoreboard, which means the SUNS must win the footy at the contest if they’re to secure the all-important four premiership points this weekend.
“I think the main thing is, like any answer with that over a period of time, is to be able to win the ball yourself,” he said.
“We’ve got to be able to control the footy so I think that’s going to be done at the source. We’ve got to be able to win the ball at contests and stoppages. If we don’t, we’re going to give their forwards too much access.”
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The SUNS midfield lowered their colours last week against Brisbane, smashed in many of the key indicators including contested possessions, which fell 154-132 in the Lions’ favour.
Eade expects his engine room to bounce back this week and compete with a strong North Melbourne midfield, despite the absence of Dion Prestia who misses the round five game with illness.
“I think our midfield last week were down as a collective,” he said.
“They’ve generally been pretty good so far. So the onus is on those guys, as well as Dan Currie who’s coming in for his first game to be able to compete really hard in there so if we don’t win it, be able to put enough pressure on the North midfielders.”
