A General of the backline, Matthew Warnock’s long-term absence in defence caused a few headaches for the Gold Coast SUNS in 2013.

“Given his injuries, the 2013 season turned out to be a disappointing year for Matty,” Assistant Coach Dean Solomon said. 

Fracturing his left radius in the side’s Round 4 clash against Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium, Warnock’s second season on the Gold Coast took a serious hit, as the 29-year-old defender was force to sit on the sidelines for the next nine weeks. 

Upon his eventual return, Warnock quickly began showing glimpse of his previous strong form, playing three consecutive NEAFL matches as he edged closer towards a senior recall. 

Unfortunately, an Achilles injury would all but prevent Warnock from adding to his 81 career games tally. 

Solomon, who’s spent a considerable amount of time with Warnock as his defensive mentor, said the loss of the 2012 Gold Coast SUNS Club Championship top four finisher had been evident at times throughout the season, with Warnock’s trusty right-handed spoils and cool-headed demeanour down back often going unnoticed. 

“Just last year he finished fourth in our Best & Fairest, so it was hard losing a player we always rely on down back,” he said.

Before Rory Thompson’s rise at Centre Half-Back, Warnock would regularly be tasked with manning the opposition’s best forward.

But with the team now boasting two capable key position defenders, Solomon said the SUNS would have greater flexibility at the defensive end in 2014.

“Matthew gives us great flexibility, and can play both on tall and small defenders – and with Rory’s emergence as a key defender, it will relieve Matty on having to always play on the best forwards,” Solomon said.

For now though, the defensive coach said the club’s main priority for Warnock was ensuring their 195cm versatile was fit and ready to go for the pre-season training camp, to give himself the best opportunity to play in the side’s season opener next year.

“All we want is Matty to get through the pre-season, build his fitness back up 100% and to get him cheery ripe for Round 1 next season.”