Versatile SUNS forward Ben Long has heaped praise on two of the SUNS’ emerging tall targets.
Long was among the SUNS’ best in the Round 1 win against West Coast, kicking a career-high four goals and setting a new best of 27 disposals in the process.
The defender-turned-forward, who kicked a personal best 26 goals in 2024, says young Streetsmarts SUNS Academy graduates Ethan Read and Jed Walter are coming along leaps and bounds following their second AFL pre-seasons.
After being unavailable through suspension in Round 1, Walter is in contention to feature in what would be a three-pronged key forward attack alongside Read and Ben King.
“Jed’s been training really well. That versatility he has as one of our key forwards is crucial around the team, so he’ll be quite an important player,” Long said.
“Ethan has really taken some big steps forward in the pre-season and he definitely showed that in Round 1. Obviously he’s got that power in the air, but also his ability to work hard on the ground, so he’s going to be a really valuable player.
“Us small really rely on the talls on game day, whether that be bringing the ball to ground or just competing both in the air and when the ball hits the ground.
“I think we’ve obviously had a great start to the season and it's working well, but it'll definitely show once we play a few more games.”
Long says the vibes haven’t waned among the group following a bye in Round 2 with the SUNS ready to face the Demons in the club’s only visit to the MCG for the home and away season.
“We’ve kept the vibes really high and set the standard at training…that’s going to hold us in good stead for the Demons this week,” Long added.
“We had a big session on Saturday which included a bit of match sim as well.
“I haven’t been back to the ‘G in a while so hopefully we can go out there and play well.”
Saturday’s match gets underway at 1:20pm local time (12:20pm AEST). Catch all the action exclusively live on Fox Footy and Kayo, with Queensland-based SUNS able to tune in via 7mate on delay from 2pm AEST.
