SUNS AFLW Senior Coach David Lake believes his team still has everything to play for in the remainder of the 2020 season.
The SUNS went down to Geelong by 20 points in the Mackay clash but Lake was quick to point out the learnings his side could take into Round 6.
“I’m disappointed but not lost in the lesson,” Lake said post-match.
“In the first half we were able to create opportunities and it was probably taxing on the girls.
“You don’t lose sight of the fact that when you go through the midfield – (you’ve got girls who are) 18, 18, 18 and 19.
“That’s not an excuse for them but eventually it’s going to take its toll.
“They’ve had a real crack and in that second half Geelong were strong around the footy and they were smart enough to get it on the outside.
“They probably had to use a little bit less energy in the method they moved the ball in and I don’t think we were smart in the way we used it.
“It’s not an ideal result so there’s a lesson in that but with the lesson comes disappointment.”
With three home and away matches remaining, the SUNS remain a mathematical chance to make finals with one win and one draw from the five matches so far.
Lake said the focus remains the same – to win all of the next three matches.
“Nothing changes, it’s the order you need to go and get your four points in,” he said.
“We’re still around the money so the next three weeks become extremely important.
“Three more wins over the next three games and we’re at four and a half (wins) so you’re still in the game.
“Not all is lost, it’s not doom and gloom.
“We’ve got nine days now to recover, make the most of the opportunity, get ourselves right and go and work hard again.”