Tune into SUNS TV for more
By Michael Whiting
Eveery journey starts with a single step, and the one word buzzing around Gold Coast SUNS ahead of Saturday's round one clash against Adelaide is effort.
After claiming the wooden spoon with three victories last year and winning just one of five pre-season matches this year, deputy vice-captain Michael Rischitelli said the GC SUNS had to focus on the little things.
He said winning was important – particularly at Metricon Stadium where they haven't broken their duck – but the GC SUNS had to get other things right first.
"I think for us it's just important we come together and get the effort right," Rischitelli said after a beach recovery session on Monday morning.
"If we get the effort right, that's where we can build and win some more games.
"As long as we're competitive, we'll give ourselves every chance to win. When it's your turn to go, you go - we have to start building on that and hopefully it goes through the whole team and everyone does their job."
After a difficult NAB Cup that included a loss to GWS, the GC SUNS finished with some confidence by running the Sydney Swans to within 19 points in their final match. Scores were level deep into the final quarter before the Swans kicked away.
Adelaide's stunning pre-season culminated in the NAB Cup premiership, and Rischitelli described the Crows as quick, skilful and well-drilled. He added Gold Coast had plenty of homework to do on their opponents this week.
"It's been a long pre-season, the boys are eager to get out there and we can't wait," he said.
"I think we've come a long way, especially from last year, the boys have trained hard and we feel ready."
The GC SUNS have almost a full list to pick from, aside from suspended duo Nathan Bock and Danny Stanley and injured pair Trent McKenzie (knee) and Rory Thompson (adductor).
Sam Day and Brandon Matera had interrupted pre-seasons but played the most recent reserves game on March 17 and are available for selection.
After claiming the wooden spoon with three victories last year and winning just one of five pre-season matches this year, deputy vice-captain Michael Rischitelli said the GC SUNS had to focus on the little things.
He said winning was important – particularly at Metricon Stadium where they haven't broken their duck – but the GC SUNS had to get other things right first.
"I think for us it's just important we come together and get the effort right," Rischitelli said after a beach recovery session on Monday morning.
"If we get the effort right, that's where we can build and win some more games.
"As long as we're competitive, we'll give ourselves every chance to win. When it's your turn to go, you go - we have to start building on that and hopefully it goes through the whole team and everyone does their job."
After a difficult NAB Cup that included a loss to GWS, the GC SUNS finished with some confidence by running the Sydney Swans to within 19 points in their final match. Scores were level deep into the final quarter before the Swans kicked away.
Adelaide's stunning pre-season culminated in the NAB Cup premiership, and Rischitelli described the Crows as quick, skilful and well-drilled. He added Gold Coast had plenty of homework to do on their opponents this week.
"It's been a long pre-season, the boys are eager to get out there and we can't wait," he said.
"I think we've come a long way, especially from last year, the boys have trained hard and we feel ready."
The GC SUNS have almost a full list to pick from, aside from suspended duo Nathan Bock and Danny Stanley and injured pair Trent McKenzie (knee) and Rory Thompson (adductor).
Sam Day and Brandon Matera had interrupted pre-seasons but played the most recent reserves game on March 17 and are available for selection.
