Just days away from the SUNS’ season opener in Cairns, Rory Thompson is acutely aware of how hard it is for every player to work their way into the best 22.
With only a handful of names unavailable for Saturday’s game against North Melbourne, intensity remains high out on the training track as the players continue to press for selection.
“I think that’s something every club needs is a healthy list and a bit of competition for spots on the weekend,” Thompson told the media on Monday.
“You don’t want it to be too easy to get out there. Unfortunately, people are going to miss out but it’s also really exciting knowing that you’re going to potentially have the best team you can out there most weeks.”
With Senior Coach Stuart Dew set to take charge of his first official game, it’s evident that the players have embraced the new game plan.
As a key position defender, Thompson’s primary task is clear, but he has noted how much impact forward pressure can have
“For us, that’s been a big focus on 18-man offence and defence and linking those two together.
“Regardless of the result it’s more just about how we perform in those areas and we think we’ve done pretty well so far.”
There’s a buzz amongst the playing group as they finally head into the season proper, starting with Saturday’s game against North Melbourne in Cairns.
The SUNS will take to Cazalys Stadium for the eighth consecutive season, so it’s an environment that is quite familiar to many of the players.
Thompson and his teammates know that they are up for a tough game, but they’re fully prepared to tackle it head-on.
“We’ve played a few games up there in the past and it’s a great atmosphere up there every time and it’s a great ground.”
“Every week is tough, it’s AFL football so
“It’s just having the same respect for every opposition we go out there and play so we’re going to prepare as well as we can and hopefully get the four points.”
