Ahead of our Round 2 clash against Carlton, Stuart Dew joined goldcoastfc.com.au for Coaches Chat.

He went through a range of topics, ranging from Aaron Hall’s return from injury to how the SUNS will combat Carlton star Patrick Cripps and more.

See below for the full transcript or watch the video above.

First up, Aaron Hall has been cleared to play Round 2?

SD: Yeah, Hally has trained strongly all week.

Obviously when he had that small finger injury we decided on surgery because it was only really minor.

So he’s good to go.

No other changes for Round 2, but SUNS fans have noted that Michael Barlow and Will Brodie haven’t been included. Can you give us an update on them?

SD: Michael has obviously been training strongly, had a good pre-season coming back off his injury and a lot of guys got an opportunity in JLT1 and they have been able to grab it.

We have constant dialogue with Michael. He’s fought for his AFL career and he’s certainly going to be a key member of our football club.

He’ll play games this year, he’s a member of our leadership team, so he’ll fight his way in.

Will Brodie is one that obviously played some JLT football and he’s certainly really developing his game and working hard with Nick Malceksi and Shaun Hart in the NEAFL.

Playing Brisbane this weekend, who will have some good tests, and we’re looking to grow his game not just as a midfielder, but also to impact the game as a forward.

The weather in Cairns has been a topic of much discussion since the game. How does the plan of attack change now heading towards dry weather footy?

SD: Our game plan and intent doesn’t change.

There’s less handball up in those sorts of conditions and a little bit more ground position play. 

But in terms of what we’re looking for, we’re after exactly the same intent around the football and the guys all working together strongly to create those good habits.

Can you give SUNS fans some areas that you’ve really drilled into the boys as to what you want to see in Round 2?

SD: Just strong contest I guess. Over summer, we’ve worked on our contest work and our 18-man defence.

But also being really efficient with the ball and putting sides under pressure once we win it back, so all areas of the game haven’t changed for a long time and we’re certainly drilling those basics.

Carlton were very impressive against Richmond last week. What are you expecting from them in Round 2?

SD: They certainly were. They obviously pushed the reigning Premier really hard and got off to a flyer.

Richmond obviously got there in the end but it could have gone either way.

Carlton has been really strong in defence the last couple of years and obviously their offence, if you take Round 1 as an indicator, has been a focal point.

We have to be on our game to stop them. They’re a little bit more aggressive in their attack and they certainly can hurt you.

Midfielder Patrick Cripps was a standout for Carlton last week. Does that change your plans in any way?

SD: He’s a fantastic player, he’s a star of the league.

He’s such a presence around the football and also can go forward and mark it, so he’s one you’ve got to try and plan for.

Sometimes these guys that are that size are really hard to stop, so it’ll be interesting to see how much we can quell his influence but also whether he goes forward a bit as well.

Saturday marks 100 games for Sam Day. You haven’t known him for too long but in that short time, as a man and as a footballer, what has really struck you about him?

SD: First of all, it’s a massive achievement for anyone to play 100 games and Sam obviously got a bit of a speed bump at 98 games so a fantastic achievement to even get there.

On the back of his injury, it’s been outstanding to watch him go about his rehab.

I’ve only known him for a little bit of time, but what I do know about him as a man is that he is very unselfish, and team orientated. 

So in terms of a coach, he is really coachable and easy to deal with.