I’m confident those Gold Coast SUNS supporters who travelled to Victoria Point to watch our NEAFL team compete in their first final on Sunday would have been incredibly proud with the effort.
While we took the field with 14 listed players and 9 young top up players who physically looked out of place, we were quickly reminded that spirit and a willingness to compete is the cornerstone of a team’s performance regardless of the opponent.
Once again, the ability of all players to follow the game plan instructions with discipline and with a high work rate was extremely pleasing.
Above all we asked our boys to:
1. Get first hands on the ball at stoppages and then have a go at beating Mt Gravatt on the outside with leg speed and skill.
2. ‘Get to a body’ urgently in defence and ‘tackle them to death’.
Charlie Dixon, Nathan Krakouer and Steven May led the way during the first half effort and we were able to established a three goal lead at the long break.
Our tackling and general defensive work was amazing and the ability of our players to move the ball quickly and precisely was excellent.
Joel Tippett captained the backline well and youngster Henry Joyce showed plenty of potential off a half back flank.
The second half saw a landslide of scoring shots in favour of Mt Gravatt as they surged in numbers after winning most of the clearances battles and continually placing our defensive unit under pressure.
It was obvious during the second stanza that both our listed and young players struggled to run and work at the level they achieved in the first half.
However despite conceding ten goals during the third quarter, credit must go to our whole squad for finishing with pride in the last 30 minutes.
Our six best were:
Charlie Dixon – played in the ruck most of the day and dominated hitouts. He also took numerous contested marks around the ground and up forward.
Nathan Krakouer – clearly above this level in regard to his skill level and football smarts. Got to get him fitter for next year.
Steven May – Six goal return came on the back of some terrific contested marking up forward.
Joel Tippett – Another fine effort at Full Back and Centre Half Back. Great spoiling plus plenty of good offensive ball use.
Jacob Gillbee – ‘Popeye’ gave plenty of drive from the midfield and was outstanding in his defensive effort.
Mitch Hopkins – one of the top up lads from Southport who has great speed and willingness to work to impact the game.
My personal thanks to our top up players and their families, our football club greatly appreciates your courage and effort.
This Saturday at Metricon (9.10am) we tackle Morningside in the first semi-final. Grab your breaky early and see you there.
Go SUNS,
Harty.
