Hundreds of passionate fans provided the perfect backdrop at Palm Beach, Parklands on Saturday morning, rising early to watch their Gold Coast SUNS hit the water at their first open training session for 2014.
For almost three hours, the players were taken through their paces under the watchful eyes of members and fans, the high performance staff relishing the opportunity to test the boys in the ocean.
Dividing the main training group into two, the first squad tackled a variety of endurance-based exercises, none more entertaining than the three-man relay water race, which saw the players compete in a 50m swimming race before tagging out.
Jack Hutchins showed he’s as good as he once was in the Speedos, the former national swimming champion turning on the jets during the team challenge.
Defensive coach Dean Solomon added a touch of nasty to the session, getting the players to engage in a physical battle as they practised applying tackles on the foreshore.
Away from the main training hub, members and fans transformed Pirate Ship Park and Palm Beach’s Dune Café, turning it into a GC SUNS frenzy as other interested passers-by also stopped to get a sneak-peak of the morning activity.
Best of all, the kids were able to test their skills on the beach front courtesy of AFL Queensland, with the team organising an AFL Playground in the Parklands area.
102.9FM Hot Tomato provided non-stop tunes, while the GC SUNS Membership Services and Retail Merchandise team drew plenty of attention.
Thanking their loyal supporters for attending, the players immediately stayed behind to sign autograph and pose for photos, with many wanting to be the first to congratulate Gary Ablett on his 2013 Brownlow success.
Midfielder David Swallow, told goldcoastfc.com.au it was one of the most memorable open training sessions.
“It’s fantastic to see so many passionate supporters head down and soak up a bit of the sun as well,” Swallow said,
“We can’t wait to see all of them, dressed in red, for our Round 1 match against Richmond at Metricon Stadium.”
