The SUNS are set to take on the Adelaide Crows this Saturday, in what will be their first home game of the season and an unmissable match.
In what’s shaping as an undoubtedly competitive clash, Senior Coach Damien Hardwick is confident that the Gold Coast will continue their undefeated reign.
“We've spoken to our players about how they (Adelaide Crows) play their game, how dominant they've been offensively. We also understand, from our point of view, we're a pretty solid defensive side,” Hardwick said.
“If our defence is up to speed, we think we'll be able to take away a lot of their strengths.
“It's going to be a really good test for our boys.”
With the Crows boasting a number of key options in their forward line, Hardwick confirmed both Joel Jeffrey and Caleb Graham will remain in contention for a position in defence this week.
“Obviously, Adelaide have got three very good, productive talls in Walker, Thillthorpe and Fogarty, and then, obviously, Curtin comes off the bench as well. So, we'll look at our mix,” Hardwick said.
“I'm really happy with how Joel went last week, and Caleb Graham had a great game in the VFL.
“So, we'll go through our due process at the end of training today and work our way through that but they're both in the mix at this stage.”
Dubbed the ‘pick of the comp’ by Adelaide Crows Coach, Matthew Nicks, Hardwick emphasised the SUNS midfield is more than just the star seniors that lead the engine room.
“I think the great thing about the SUNS’ midfield at the moment is we've got some really, really great players through there but we don't want to be relying on one player to get us across the line,” Hardwick added.
“Matt Rowell has had an outstanding season thus far, as has Touk Miller, as has Noah Anderson. To be fair, all those guys have had really good seasons.
“So, we think if someone does take one of those players away, we've got enough players to come in and fill the void.
“Nicks has got them well drilled and they're well coached. So we've got a challenge on our hands with their midfield, no question.”
Ben Ainsworth will be looking to return to the field after missing the SUNS domination over the Melbourne Demons last week due to quad tightness.
“He's probable. If he gets through training today, he'll put his hand up to play and we'll select him,” Hardwick said.
“He's been a really important player for us, just a guy that understands his role really well and creates great scoring chances for us as well. So he'll put his hand up to play.”
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On a mission to create history, the SUNS are already proving to be a leading force in the AFL competition.
“I think this club is on the verge of something special,” Hardwick added.
“We've got an exciting team. We play an exciting brand of footy. The emergence is going to be really, really exciting, and there's no better place to jump on when it's early.”
SUNS fans can enjoy an action-packed morning full of FEARLESS & fun activities for the whole family ahead of first bounce at 12:20pm, with gates open from 10:30am
“It’s at a great time slot, great for kids. Two-and-a-half hours of just running a muck at People First Stadium.
“So if you get a chance, get there, bring a friend. It's going to be a great game of footy as well against two sides that are undefeated.
“Let's make sure we get as big a crowd as we can.”Limited tickets remain. Secure your seats at People First Stadium HERE.
