The Gold Coast SUNS began their 2016 season with a 25-point win over QClash rivals Brisbane Lions at Moreton Bay Sports Complex in Burpengary.

goldcoastfc.com.au has reviewed the game and identified the following key discussion areas.

 

Horrible conditions make tough going

Hot and windy conditions at Burpengary made it difficult for both sides to execute skill-wise. At one point during the third quarter, the Lions kicked the ball out on the full on four occasions in less than five minutes, rebounding from defence with winds gusts pushing the Sherrin 5-10 metres away from its intended destination.

The SUNS were unable to capitalise in front of goal, booting 9.14 with the blustery conditions impacting the team’s chances.

With skills a heavy focus of the 2016 pre-season, Gold Coast will be looking to improve its disposal efficiency over its final two NAB Challenge games against West Coast and Adelaide.


Could 2016 be a breakout year for Jesse Lonergan?

After a strong finish last season, Jesse Lonergan started his 2016 campaign with a best-on-ground performance in Sunday’s comprehensive win over the Lions.

The former first-round draft pick collected 23 disposals (16 contested), 10 clearances, six tackles and four inside 50’s in a polished performance sure to impress the SUNS coaching staff.

With newfound confidence and a solid pre-season behind him, the Tasmanian looks set to establish himself as a permanent fixture inside Gold Coast’s engine room; providing compliment to midfield quartet Gary Ablett, David Swallow, Dion Prestia and Jaeger O’Meara upon their return to the playing field.

The next couple of weeks of the NAB Challenge will likely answer this question for us, but we liked what we saw in very tough conditions in Burpengary.


Lynch set to become one of the best forwards in the game

Tom Lynch booted 43 goals in 2015 on his way to taking out the Gold Coast SUNS Club Champion award.

2016 looks to be an even bigger year for the key forward, with Lynch easily the best forward on the ground in the weekend derby; the only man to kick multiple goals.

The 23-year-old booted 3.2 and plucked six marks, five of which came inside forward 50.

It’s a performance that grabbed the attention of some pockets of the Melbourne media with some prominent radio personalities describing Lynch as a future “mega star”.

Considering Lynch only rated his game as ‘okay’ in a press conference at Kurrawa Beach on Monday, it’s almost scary to think what he’s capable of, particularly with improved delivery from the midfield and better conditions.

 

Nicholls slightly ahead in the battle for number one ruck

While Tom Nicholls has rightfully earned the title of first-choice ruckman at Metricon Stadium, former Kangaroo Dan Currie continues to push his case to be a part of Rodney Eade’s round one side with a strong showing in his first outing as a SUN.

The pair worked well in tandem against Lions rookie Archie Smith with both Nicholls (22 hitouts) and Currie (17 hitouts) enjoying patches of dominance.

Nicholls had a slightly more rounded performance with five clearances, six tackles and four inside 50’s and is sure to be at the top of his game heading into 2016 with Currie breathing down his neck every step of the way.


But the battle for the second key forward spot intensifies

Gold Coast fans were treated with a glimpse into the future, with Peter Wright providing a series of impressive plays in Sunday’s NAB Challenge match.

If the weekend’s QClash pre-season opener is anything to go by, the second-year spearhead showed he could be in for a career-defining 2016, as the battle for the second key forward position intensifies.

Inaugural powerhouse Sam Day competed hard for the afternoon, but was unable to impact the scoreboard as he would have liked, while Wright registered 11 disposals and hit the scoreboard with a goal.

Both tall timber will have further opportunities to impress though, with the pair likely to travel for NAB2 to face off against the Eagles at HBF Arena.


Macpherson the next Touk

Last week, coach Rodney Eade described rookie Darcy Macpherson as a “blonde-haired Touk Miller” and we saw exactly what he meant on Sunday.

Macpherson was a terrier inside the SUNS forward 50 with his manic pressure a particular highlight.

The 18-year-old finished the contest with a game-high 10 tackles and booted his side’s opening goal in a performance that made many stand up and take notice.

Selected with pick No. 20 in the 2015 Rookie Draft after being passed up as a father-son selection by the Western Bulldogs, Macpherson looks capable of slotting right into senior footy and testament to the old saying that hard work pays off.