Gold Coast’s triple-threat forward line is ‘further advanced’ than the competition realises, according to one of the league’s great centre half-forwards.
Former Melbourne hero, Garry Lyon, was glowing in his round seven assessment of the GC SUNS.
The Demons champion has jumped aboard the SUNS tall forward bandwagon, with high praise reserved for Guy McKenna’s mountain-sized attack featuring Sam Day, Charlie Dixon and highly-respected vice-captain, Tom Lynch.
“Maybe this Gold Coast side is a little bit further advanced than we think,” Lyon told afl.com.au.
“This is what excited me most; there is a lot of talk about (Jonathon) Patton, (Tom) Boyd and (Jeremy) Cameron, but don’t worry about Day, Lynch and Dixon.”
The key trio got the better of North’s vastly experienced backline, with their mix size, length and athleticism creating countless mismatches as the likes of Scott Thompson, Brad McKenzie and former Gold Coast player, Joel Tippett, searched for answers.
Despite not having the same impact as his key forward partners, 21-year-old Day exhibited impressive ground speed in his pursuit of the footy, as he displayed during his third-quarter chase down on Brent Harvey, after he brought the Roos star to ground following a missed tackle.
Lyon admitted he is a big fan of the South Australian spearhead.
“This kid Day was a supreme athlete when he was 17. He is an unbelievable physical specimen and I think Lynch is the natural footballer amongst them all and Charlie Dixon is more the enforcer type.
“We got a glimpse of it yesterday, six goals between their big strong physical presence under the roof (of Etihad Stadium).”
The high-profile TV personality believes Gold Coast will be perennial finalists for years to come.
“What is happening with these kids is we are starting to understand just how good they are going to be…
“But the test will come, and we will find out if they can sustain it throughout the course of a year.”
