It’s the pinnacle of playing AFL football.

It’s the ground that epitomises our game, where champions are born, and the bar of performance is raised.

A contagious, spine-tingling sensation that captivates our players every time they run underneath the banner at the AFL’s spiritual home of football – the Melbourne Cricket Ground.   

This Sunday the Gold Coast SUNS will be presented with another opportunity to secure their maiden MCG victory when the when they meet the Melbourne Demons at 4:40pm on Sunday.

Rising star Harley Bennell has produced a string of memorable performances joining the AFL as a talented teen in 2011, however it was his 38-disposals and four-goal contribution at the MCG in Round 19 last year that showcased his ability to stand up under pressure.

Senior Coach Guy McKenna is hoping Harley’s team mates follow suit on Sunday, saying the iconic ground demands a complete performance and the GC SUNS will need to be at their best from the first bounce to the final siren.

“It’s not who you play against at the MCG but the ground itself; that’s the ground where you want to put your nametag out there and know you can perform at the MCG,” said McKenna.

“The Stadium demands it, you want to play at the MCG and know that you came off playing your best football.”

McKenna spent 5 winters as an assistant coach with Collingwood playing out of the MCG and says his players need to show they can stand stall at the AFL heartland as they look to continue their development and keep in line with the Club’s 20ONE3 vision.

“You’re going to have to at some stage, play at the MCG,  whether it’s going to be a Grand Final or a Finals series you want to know that you can perform at the MCG.”

With skipper Gary Ablett having built an established reputation after a handful of historic performances at the MCG, McKenna is expecting his on-field leader to kick into another gear during the twilight showdown.

“He certainly enjoys it because he’s had a lot of experiences during his finals campaign,” said McKenna.

“The heat he’s used to at the MCG is normally around a 9 out of 10, so I think that’s why he enjoys playing there during the home-and-away season because he can get away with enjoying himself and kicking a few goals, because he knows when Finals come around it’s a different kettle of fish.”