Recruit Pearce Hanley got to sing the club song for the first time, after his best performance since crossing over to the SUNS.
In a post-match interview with Sam Day on SUNS TV, the Irishman was likened to a ‘Ferrari back out in full force’ by his teammate.
Hanley has had to overcome a number of setbacks in 2017, but his performance on Saturday showed why he was a top trade target at the end of last season.
He found plenty of the ball in space as he racked up 31 disposals and 12 uncontested marks.
His six inside 50’s were influential, with his quality delivery something that SUNS forwards will enjoy when he is at his most dangerous.
“That (performance) was more like me, getting back to that run and dash off the backline” he said.
“My sharpness and my touch will come back, I’m a bit rusty at the moment but again it’s something to build on.”
Coach Rodney Eade praised Hanley’s game and how important is he is to the team.
“I thought he was terrific,” Eade said in his post-match press conference.
“Just having that poise and ability to hit a target, to make good decisions, really helps us.”
Question marks were raised when Hanley was brought straight back into the senior team last week after a quiet performance against Melbourne.
The rebounding half back repaid the faith shown in him by the coaching staff with a classy performance.
“We played him early last week, I think if we hadn’t of played him last week he wouldn’t have performed like he did today.” Eade said.
Hanley was able to soak up the win before he and his teammates turned their attention to this Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
He is keen for the team to build on the victory and get on a roll to finish the season strongly.
“We won’t change anything and we won’t get ahead of ourselves. We’ll prepare well and we’ll go down there with the right frame of mind and try to get another four points.”
