In a thrilling showdown between two undefeated sides, the SUNS kept their composure and played their moments to clinch a 91–90 victory over the Adelaide Crows at People First Stadium last Saturday.
SUNS defender Bodhi Uwland impressed against some of the league’s fiercest forwards, using his combative strength, speed and grit against larger opponents.
“I love the challenge of playing on some of the key forwards, and obviously they had a good trio up forward with Darcy Fogarty, Riley Thilthorpe and Tex Walker. When I learned I was going to be playing on Fogarty, I took that opportunity and thought played my role to the best I could,” Uwland said.
“It comes back to scrapping and refusing to be beaten. I think that's one of my strengths, just being competitive. As long as I can compete in the air, which is one of my strengths, bring the ball to ground and then play that to my advantage. I'm probably a little bit quicker than some of those bigger boys so I just try and play it into my hands the best I can.”
The defender was prepared to take on the Crows’ big three, confident in his capabilities and role.
“I guess it's important as a team to have versatile players. I think we've got a few guys that can play tall in that backline. Wil Powell can play tall, Joel Jeffrey obviously as well. I think if we can be versatile and then get suited match-ups, then we can go from there,” Uwland added.
“I definitely got some opportunities early in the year. I get a few chances during the week and in pre-season to train on the big boys and I've trained a little bit on Ethan Read.
“It's a good chance to develop my craft and also for them learning to play on those smaller boys and play it to their advantage. So, it works both ways.”
The Gold Coast SUNS’ defensive unit put on a heart stopping show in the final minutes of the game, keeping the pressure on to secure the win.
“I think it was stressful but calm at the same time. I think we knew what we had to execute in that moment.”
“I guess we practised it in training the last 12, 18 months really, so it just came down to executing in that moment. We definitely emphasise playing our moments. I think on the weekend we were able to show that by hanging on in those last few moments.
“It's something to continue to build with experience, but it was definitely a step in the right direction.”
The SUNS will don their FEARLESS pink guernseys when they take on North Melbourne in the Barossa Valley this Saturday, 12 April. Catch all the Gather Round action live on FOX Footy and Kayo.
