The club’s developing bodies have been put under the pump in recent weeks, forced to take on top-of-the-ladder giants Hawthorn and Geelong in consecutive weeks with only a six-day turnaround.
But while the quick recovery period would be enough to put a heavy toll on most AFL players, Solomon said the club’s high performance staff had done an outstanding job in ensuring the playing group were mentally and physically ready for their Round 9 and 10 clashes against the AFL powerhouses.
“We monitored the guys and knew those games were coming up, so we planned ahead and looked after them in the lead-up to those matches,” Solomon said.
“Our medical staff and sports science guys are right across that, and even through the early days of the season we have rested guys week-to-week during training sessions to maintain their fitness.
“We’re in a good place at the moment, and even though we had back to back interstate trips on a six-day turnaround the players have recovered well and should train well tonight.”
With the GC SUNS coaching staff having witnessed the Kangaroo’s 68-point victory over St. Kilda live at Etihad Stadium last weekend, Solomon says the players are embracing for a tough challenge against the 2012 top 8 finalists.
“They’re a good side, we watched them live against the Saints and they’re starting games really well and their midfield and stoppage numbers suggest they’re a strong outfit,” Solomon said.
“There forwardline is very potent and they’re defensive area is great – they’re simply playing great footy.
“They would have got a lot of confidence out of their match against St. Kilda so we know we’ve got a massive challenge ahead of us this week.”
