Seemingly playing with more freedom across the half-back last Saturday, the small-sized defender was amongst the leading possession-getters for the GC SUNS in their 25-point win over Melbourne at Fankhauser Reserve.
With injuries and suspensions keeping key defenders Nathan Bock, Campbell Brown and Seb Tape from taking to the field last season, Harbrow became the GC SUNS steadying influence in what as often an under siege backline.
But with the club haven’t relentlessly pursued Murphy and Broughton to the club via free agency, the GC SUNS are becoming more confident that the list’s depth and added experience will result in a more tangible defensive unit.
Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au, Harbrow said the NAB Cup tournament had given the speedy 24-year-old a great insight into the vast improvement of the team’s revamped defensive structure.
“I’ve been able to play further up the ground on the wing, where I can help create more run and carry through the midfield to create entries inside-50,” said Harbrow.
“Having Murphy and Broughton has definitely freed me up more across the back-half.”
Harbrow said it was the depth of playing group that had impressed him most this summer.
“Many of the club’s young crop of talent have just added another pre-season of training under their belt,” Harbrow said.
“We’re now finding that we have some pretty good depth across the team, and with those two lads (Murphy and Broughton) coming in, there’s no doubt that I won’t be relied upon so heavily as was the case last year.”
Despite having primarily through the back-half since making his AFL debut in 2007, Harbrow says he’s looking forward to the challenges of spending more time through the middle of the ground.
“The backline you have to mentally prepare differently each week as different opponents have their own strengths and weaknesses which you have to play too... whereas in the midfield you’re still accountable for the opposition but you see the game differently because you get to play with a lot more freedom.”
But the humbled 105-game workhorse says he’ll lace his boots up as a defender, midfielder or forward if it means helping the GC SUNS climb further up the premiership ladder in 2013.
“Just like any bloke at the club, I just want to play consistent footy… so if it means going down back and helping out there, or creating more run through the middle, then I’ll do it… anything it takes to help us win.”
