The Gold Coast Suns are about to create some history. They’re mainly focused on an upcoming key match against cross-town rival Essendon Bombers. The stakes literally don’t get higher!
Second chance
This is a golden opportunity for the Gold Coast region’s men’s AFL team to finally make the jump from perennial wooden spooners to finalists footy. The Suns must win by five goals or more to jump ahead of Hawthorn into seventh spot. A win would put them into a mouth-watering semi-final against Fremantle in Perth. If they win by four or fewer goals, their eighth-place spot is clinched. This also means they’ll be taking on GWS in their first ever Expansion Cup.
His prescience was understandable, as the Suns have notoriously struggled on the national stage, repeatedly leaving local suns fans asking where their tournament hopes have gone. This season, they’ve displayed tremendous grit and ability. Their recent history against Essendon wasn’t too bad either, winning three of the past six encounters. It’s too soon to look back on last year. The next game in this series is the most important one. It represents an opportunity to advance to the finals and break a 15-year drought for the franchise.
Recent Performances and Key Players
Several players have shown remarkable form and determination. Ben King has been a high-volume revelation this season, and his 63rd goal recently is a testament to that. Bailey Humphrey had a solid return from a knee injury. Having been absent from the previous match, he was the man of the moment, revitalizing a weary-looking squad with his flair and excitement.
Jake Rogers returned, adding a terrific dimension to the forward line with his pace and crumbing ability. Dan Rioli, after coming back early from a small leg fracture, showed his steel and hunger. The Suns entered their previous meeting with a microscopically thin lead of only 0.8 percentage points. This points to their amazing strength of competition that they are running against.
In fact, their most recent clash with Essendon is a timely reminder as to just how close these contests often are. Mac Andrew notably kicked the winning goal after the siren in a previous clash last year, highlighting the team’s potential for dramatic finishes.
Building on Local Legacy
The historical background of the Gold Coast’s sporting flavour is hard to miss. Brisbane supporters have been following the Brisbane Bears since 1987. Unfortunately, they’ve been treated to a run of underwhelming showings across the athletic department. “Since then, local fans must have wondered if the area was cursed,” one commentator noted, pointing out that Gold Coast teams have historically struggled to make an impact.
“This Wednesday the Suns have a chance to become the first men’s AFL team from the region to play finals footy,” emphasizes a local sports analyst. This squad is perhaps the most gifted team to emerge from the Gold Coast in any football code. It’s filled with the best local talent and the most acclaimed juniors in the nation.
Though they have a tough road ahead, there is undeniable optimism in the air about this class. The Suns had been quietly gaining steam as we approached the end of the season. This upcoming matchup against Essendon is likely to become a milestone moment in their short history.
Challenges Ahead
It’s not all good news for the Suns ahead of their important Western Conference showdown. The team will be without key players Alex Sexton, Oscar Adams, and Lachlan Gulbin due to injuries. Jake Rogers and Rhys Unwin will come on as replacements. The staggering lack of these key players only serves to pile more pressure on those who actually will step between the lines.
There’s no getting around how hugely important the upcoming match is for Tom De Koning. His stunning departure last week from the Suns, after eight glorious years with the team, shook the basketball world. “To be really honest, this has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make, leaving a club I’ve loved being part of over the last eight years,” he said in a heartfelt statement reflecting on his time with the team.
The Suns are looking to regroup as they get set to take on Essendon. They shoulder the dreams and ambitions of a community hungry to win in the professional sports game. If they do, that will be the most significant accomplishment, one with implications that echo beyond a single season.
