The talented juniors could barely contain excitement when they arrived to the stadium precinct, with many of the passionate Queenslanders visiting the Gold Coast’s home of AFL football for the first time.
GC SUNS Development Coach Andrew Johnston had the kids hanging off his every word, with the former Fitzroy player sharing valuable career advice to each of the team’s aspiring footballers.
And although Head Fitness Coach Paul Haines also had the group’s attentive ears, it was superstar captain Gary Ablett who stole the show with the midfielder receiving the most cheers as he made his way off the ground after the senior squad’s main training sessions.
U12’s Queensland Coach Allen Eade, told goldcoastfc.com.au that the stadium tour would be an invaluable experience the kids would cherish for the rest of their footy careers.
“We were lucky enough to come down and watch the SUNS train,” he said.
“They got to see their heros and idols, and see how professional an AFL environment is, and to see the kids soaking it all up was just fantastic for us.”
The former Collingwood player said today’s visit would definitely ignite a flame inside each of member of his playing group, as they look to rise through the ranks of State representative footy before chasing their dream of one day playing in the AFL.
“It’s certainly giving them something to aspire to, and what it takes to make it to the highest level,” said Eade.
“They train twice a week and they’ve been told the SUNS train everyday here, and that type of thing inspires a lot of kids.
“If we can pluck one or two players at this level who can go on to do that then that’ll be good for them.”
