Experienced forward Nick Holman says the SUNS aren’t shying away in its expectations in 2025.
The SUNS’ 2025 AFL campaign gets underway in just over a month with an Opening Round clash at People First Stadium against Essendon with the side’s fearless intentions clear for the year ahead.
“The end goal has to be finals,” Holman said.
“We’ve said it, we want to speak it into existence, and we’ve been working hard on that ambition for a number of years. It’s our second year under Dimma, there’s no excuses… we’re ready to put the foot down.
“It’s what we’re here to do, we’re here to play and win finals. We want to be the first AFL team ever for the club to play finals.
“We’ve done the work, there’s more to do, now we’ve got to make it happen.”
Last week’s gritty pre-season camp in Byron Bay was the latest challenge in the club’s preparations to tackle the Bombers on March 8, but it’s time of year Holman enjoys.
“As much fun as pre-season is, it’s good to put that on the back burner and move into games… more match sim and stuff like that, because that’s what we’re here to do, play footy.”
From a 10th pre-season to a first, new recruit Ben Jepson is also thriving in the intensity ahead of a new campaign.
“Everyone has really welcomed me in. We’ve had two focuses – team connection and training really hard and having a good focus on grit,” Jepson said,
“It’s been great to learn off how hard they (the boys) actually work. It’s pretty demanding.”
The 23-year-old Victorian, who has earned an AFL list spot following impressive VFL campaigns with Coburg and Southport, has wasted no time getting family and friends on board as SUNS members.
“I signed my Dad up, my brother and sisters are members now too.
“I've got a few mates from Melbourne who are pretty keen to get on board as well. Hopefully we can get everyone excited. It's an exciting time of year now.”
