With the NAB Cup fast approaching, the GC SUNS has its sights firmly set on perfecting the revamped defensive structures that is widely expected to help bolster the GC SUNS chances of chasing premiership points this season.   

The players were led through a series of testing defensive drills this morning by GC SUNS assistant coaches Dean Solomon and Andy Lovell, the architects behind the squad’s new defensive-orientated style of football.

The ball was moving quickly and voices echoed around Metricon Stadium, as players directed one another between stoppages around the ground.

Exciting youngster Harley Bennell received a warm welcome from the his fellow GC SUNS teammates, after being awarded the Polly Farmer Medal for his best on ground performance in the All Stars clash against Richmond last Friday night.  

Prior to the GC SUNS weights sessions this afternoon, Bennell spoke exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au and said it was the team’s offensive structures that seemed to impress him the most during today’s match-simulated drills.

“Our key forwards have definitely taken their game to another level this summer,” said Bennell.

“(Tom) Lynchy, (Charlie) Dixon and (Sam) Day have all had fantastic pre-season, and are looking fitter and stronger than ever.”

While the GC SUNS coaching staff have yet to speak on the importance of the playing well through the AFL NAB Cup, experienced midfielder Michael Rischitelli conceded that it was significant for the team to gain momentum via the pre-season competition ahead of the AFL premiership season.

Speaking after training at Monday media conference, the ultra-consistent Rischitelli said any chance to win games of football would be vital for the GC SUNS growing squad, especially winning on the road when the GC SUNS travel to Townsville and Blacktown (NSW) for interstate matches.

“It’d be nice for the team to get a few solid wins through the AFL NAB Cup competition,” said Rischitelli.

“Obviously we haven’t had the same level of success as other AFL Clubs in the last couple of season so if we could win a few games early heading into the AFL premiership season than that would definitely help lift the squad’s confidence.”