Young Gold Coast SUNS midfielder Alex Sexton has admitted it will be “like I’m playing my first game ever” when he makes his maiden senior appearance of 2014 against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The 20-year old has endured a frustrating start to the season, hampered by a niggling calf strain during the early rounds of his 2014 campaign, and more recently a minor knee injury suffered three weeks ago in the NEAFL against the UWS Giants.
However, Sexton believed the injuries were behind him and he is now raring to go against the Saints.
“It was a frustrating start where I couldn’t string two games together,” Sexton told goldcoastfc.com.au.
“I obviously came back from the calf and had two weeks off with that, a little strain. But I feel good now and yeah, ready to go.”
Sexton showed glimpses of his enormous potential late last year, including a three-goal effort against the West Coast Eagles in round 19 which sparked a SUNS comeback that ultimately fell short.
The midfielder played four games late in 2013 before succumbing to a dislocated shoulder that ended his season. After all of his injury setbacks, both this year and last, Sexton is full of excitement ahead of just his 11th career game at AFL level.
“I had a few games last year and the year before, but just excited again and I feel like I’m in form,” he said.
“(I’m feeling) a little bit (nervous). I was thinking about it last night, it did feel like it’s my debut all over again but I think it’s exciting more than nervous.
“I just want to get out there and go again.”
In his most recent outing in the NEAFL against Aspley, Sexton was a shining light for the SUNS reserves, ending the match with 19 disposals, 10 tackles, six clearances, eight inside 50s and two goals. GC SUNS reserves coach, Josh Fraser, was full of praise for the fast-moving youngster.
“He plays at great speed and looks terrific when he gets the ball in hand. He is a guy that if he gets consistency he will be one to watch,” Fraser told goldcoastfc.com.au earlier in the week.
While many have pencilled in the exciting Queenslander to start with the green substitute’s vest in his first game back in the seniors, the midfielder isn’t fussed if he starts on the field or on the pine for the SUNS on Sunday.
“I’ve got that versatility in my game now where I can play anywhere, so I’m pretty confident wherever I start.
“I’ll be happy to go anywhere; I’m just happy to be back in the ones.”
As for the key to defeating the Saints on Sunday, Sexton referenced the SUNS’ most recent victory over North Melbourne and the manic start that saw the Gold Coast team slam through the first seven goals of the game.
“I think the key has been the start. Last time against North Melbourne it was just a ridiculous start, (we) jumped them early.
“I think that’s the key for the boys during the week, focusing on that start and then just matching them with our run and our tackling and our pressure.”
If everything goes to plan, Sexton is full of confidence that the SUNS will head back to Metricon Stadium with another win on the board.
“We’ve definitely got the men to do it and I’m pretty confident that if we do all the right things we’ll get it going on the weekend.”
