GC SUNS assistant coach Dean Solomon told goldcoastfc.com.au that he was eager to use the NAB Cup as a platform to determine the effectiveness of the team’s new defensive methods around the ground.
“Both the Lions and the Hawks will be a great test for our playing group, and we’ll certainly focus on them to an extent, but the games are also about implementing the defensive structures we’ve put in place over the summer and letting the squad play with a bit of freedom,” said Solomon.
Young gun Jesse Lonergan went head-to-head against rising AFL star David Swallow, only days after battling it out in the middle of the ground against arguably the competition’s best player in Gary Ablett.
Solomon said GC SUNS members and fans could expect to see some of the new youngsters lacing up the boots for the first time in the GC SUNS pre-season opener.
“Although the squad hasn’t been finalised (Andrew) Boston, Jack Martin and Jesse Lonergan have been training really well and have given themselves every chance to play this Saturday,” Solomon said.
“We’ll certainly see some new players, and of course some of the old in act this Saturday so it’ll be a good balance for the fans.”
