A return to normality and a point to prove are the themes of the week for the SUNS heading into Sunday’s Round 1 clash against West Coast in Perth.

The 2025 campaign will finally get its campaign underway on Sunday, albeit eight days later than scheduled with Cyclone Alfred wreaking havoc on the region across the last week.

The SUNS squad were able to train on Sunday before a scheduled day off on Monday, with the remainder of the week set to play out as planned before heading west on Saturday.

“The boys are really hungry and excited just to be able to have a normal and play some footy,” captain Noah Anderson said.

“We’ve done a mountain of work over the last four months – we managed to get two really good sessions in on Wednesday and Sunday, both replicating about half of the game, so our bodies are ready to go.

“Mentally we feel like we’ve recharged over the few days so we’re excited and prepared.”

Anderson says the first trip on the road for 2025 is one that’s been ‘circled’ with the SUNS eager to begin the campaign on the front foot.

“We feel like we’ve got a lot to prove this year and learned a lot of lessons throughout last year so I’m excited to get over there.

“All we have to focus on is our procedures, our core actions and what will get us the over the line, which we know as a playing group really well.”

The new skipper also thanked the work of many spent keeping Gold Coasters as safe as possible during the weekend’s weather events.

“Firstly, on behalf of the club I just wanted to say a big thank you to the first responders who have been working tirelessly over the last few days. I know our communities will forever be grateful and we’re thinking of those who continue to battle through the floods and effects of the cyclone.”

First bounce is at 5:10pm AEST on Sunday evening. Catch all the action on Fox Footy, Kayo and the Seven network (check your local guides).