Level headed SUNS already planning for the Hawks
Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna says there is now a genuine sense of belief and confidence amongst the GC SUNS playing group following their win over Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
It was the first time the Gold Coasters had claimed the premiership points from the Bulldogs, and the first time the club had celebrated back-to-back victories since entering the AFL competition in 2011.
The 32 point winning margin 13.15 (93) to 8.13 (61) moving the GC SUNS to 4-4 for the season.
That result follows last weekend's impressive 60-point thrashing of Melbourne at the MCG, an impressive victory over the GWS Giants in Canberra and the prized scalp of St Kilda in the season opener here on the Gold Coast.
While they sang the Club song with gusto and certainly enjoyed the moment last night, the focus quickly turned to preparation.
The Coach and playing group certainly aren't getting ahead of themselves and are well aware they face monumental back to back challenges over the next two weeks starting with a clash with the top of the table Hawthorn at the MCG next weekend, followed by what will be a tough encounter against Geelong the following week.
"That was a good result but we're clearly looking towards Hawthorn next week and we know we've got to play a lot better than we did tonight, that's for sure," McKenna said.
"We get to play one of the heavyweights and I think, with all the tests we've had this season, this test will be something for us. The boys are now better able to stand up and absorb that. If we bring effort, we bring composure, we give ourselves a chance of competing."
The most pleasing aspect for the GCSUNS coaching staff who quickly dissected the performance, is that they were able to absorb the Bulldogs early pressure, respond and in the end lift the contest to a new level as they kicked clear on the scoreboard.