There is no disputing the fact it has been a week of turmoil at Metricon Stadium following the suspension of trio Harley Bennell, Trent McKenzie and Brandon Matera for breaching alcohol restrictions last weekend.
But, Rodney Eade and the hierarchy at the Gold Coast SUNS are hopeful the line in the sand moment will be the catalyst for the foundation of a strong culture that can build sustained success. A point two-time Geelong premiership coach Mark Thompson raised on AFL 360 on Wednesday night.
Successful teams are built around strong cultures. Playing groups committed to achieving the ultimate glory hold each other accountable for their actions, both on and off field. Something Eade is trying to engrain in the young playing group at the SUNS.
“That’s what we’re trying to build here. We’re obviously trying to build a culture or the correct culture,” Eade told the media at a press conference on Thursday.
“Historically the players are telling me that people maybe run their own race a little bit at times.
“The players have got to own the team. If they’re going to be successful, the players have got to drive each other, they’ve got to challenge each other, they’ve got to set standards.”
An absence of older, wiser heads has been amplified in the early part of this season due an injury list that could field its own starting eighteen. Only three players on Saturday night will have greater than 80 games experience next to their name, with one of them, Andrew Raines, playing just his first game for the club.
Despite the setback last weekend’s events have brought for the club, and the onslaught of media scrutiny now hovering over Metricon Stadium, Eade is confident the club is beginning to nurture a strong foundation.
“We haven’t got a lot of experience players, we’d probably be the least experienced in the number of experienced players in the competition.
“So when you’ve got that leadership void – and that’s where Michael’s [Rischitelli] really jumped up and grabbed it, Andrew’s [Raines] been terrific, [Jarrod] Harbrow’s been terrific, but again the leadership group of [Dion] Prestia and [Tom] Lynch as well are jumping on board. [Charlie] Dixon’s been terrific.
“So we’re really getting some traction we feel, unfortunately this last few days has shadowed a little bit about where we’ve made some ground.”
'The players have got to own the team'
Rodney Eade says if the SUNS are going to be successful, the players must drive the standards at the club.
