On the back of an underwhelming start to his tenure at Metricon Stadium, new Gold Coast SUNS mentor Rodney Eade isn’t panicking at this stage of proceedings.
Many football experts predicted the SUNS to come of age in 2015, with Eade coming on board to help steer the side to a maiden September berth. But, a fortnight into his third senior coaching role, to say things haven’t gone according to plan thus far would be an understatement.
A lifetime in the game as both player and coach has equipped Eade with an ability to take a long-term view in a sport that doesn’t lend its hand to rational thinking and keeping emotion separate.
The former Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs coach is adamant that wins and losses won’t define this season as the SUNS are on a summit to sustained September success.
“I think that as a coach and as a club, you’ve always got high expectations –there’s no doubt about that. But, I went into the job with eyes open, so I knew that there was quite a few things we needed to work on and we’ll still continue to work on that,” Eade said in his post-match press conference following the SUNS 28-point loss to St Kilda on Saturday night.
“If that means as a win-loss ratio it goes backwards, well it goes backwards. But we’re not building to finish eighth, ninth or tenth. We’re building to challenge up to the top two, three or four.
Monday Wash-Up: Take a look at the main talking points to come out of the loss to St Kilda
“It doesn’t concern me at this stage and won’t concern me for the whole year, as long as we build a base that we know is going to compete well when we need to.”
One major lesson from the opening two rounds of the season - across the competition – there are no longer any free hits. The game is as even as it has ever been in its long and decadent history.
Melbourne and St Kilda appeared like a favourable draw on paper. But, both teams outworked and outclassed the SUNS. Although, after an abysmal opening match against the Demons, Eade was much happier with his sides effort and desire against the Saints.
“Last week I thought, in a 120 minute game, there was 40 minutes of effort. I thought tonight, there was 90. 90 of good effort, there was probably some good effort in the second quarter but our skill level hurt us,” Eade said.
“I was pleased too that when you’re that far down and things are going horrible that it’s easy to feel sorry for yourself. Especially a young group.
“So I was pleased that they were able to pick themselves up off the mat to be honest. They’ve got some persistence and perseverance.”
