The club has come on in leaps and bounds since their miserable first-half of 2012, where the senior team struggled to battle for respect each week after going through the first 15 rounds of the competition without recording a win, before tasting success after their historic post-siren victory against Richmond at Cazaly’s Stadium.
But the SUNS have started off their 2013 campaign like a house on fire, and look certain to climb further up the premiership ladder after their promising start to the season – which included a thrilling 13-point finish against St. Kilda and their comfortable win over GWS Giants in Canberra.
And while the side was unable to seal the deal against the defensive style of Fremantle on the weekend, they still managed to finish the match leading in all key performance indicators including contested possessions, tackles and disposal counts.
For Harbrow, the fast-tracked development of the GC SUNS playlist list is starting to show it can stand tall against AFL rivals that had previously caused the team grief in recent encounters.
“We’re in a much better position in all aspects of our game – we’re more physical, we’re stronger and we’re able to cope with more of the messages that the coach is giving us,” Harbrow said.
The side’s unsung hero is in career-best form so far this season, averaging 26.3 disposals over the six premiership rounds after a seamless transition from the half-back to the wings.
“I’m still spending a little bit of time in the backline but I suppose I’m around the football a lot more in the midfield,” said Harbrow.
“You end up finding the football and getting a few more touches, which keeps you involved and always makes you aware of what’s going on in the game.”
Senior coach Guy McKenna told goldcoastfc.com.au Harbrow had raised the bar to greater heights this year with his string of impressive performances.
“He almost wrecked his elbow last year but he’s had a fantastic pre-season and is really starting to feel comfortable within the group,” said McKenna.
“He’s done a lot of work with the indigenous boys but I think his work in the general around the midfield with his leadership and his voice has been excellent… he’ a very important piece to our puzzle going forward.”
With the club’s sights set firmly on the Melbourne Demons this weekend, Harbrow said the side could not cater for the same mistakes they showed in their 45-point loss to Fremantle at Metricon Stadium.
“We’d like to think we can definitely win it, especially coming off a disappointing loss on the weekend against Fremantle,” said Harbrow.
“Our kicking efficacy and skills let us down, in particularly our handballing and kicking – basic skills which you pride yourself on growing up.
“To make those mistakes against the type of pressure that Fremantle put on us resulted in the turnovers and goals against us… so the basics of the game are still the most important.”
