Darwin dominance done, Suns clock on for next shift
Murray Wenzel |
Bailey Humphrey is chuffed to have earned the trust of his star midfield partners as Gold Coast clock on for their next AFL shift.
The Suns have returned from a two-game stint at their second home – Darwin’s TIO Stadium – after tight defeats of the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn improved them to 8-0 at the venue.
Sitting third with a 7-2 record, the club is well positioned for a maiden, overdue finals campaign but aware of their traditional struggles after rounding the turn in previous seasons.
But Humphrey, 20, says they have adopted a mentality to ensure their minds aren’t still stuck in the Northern Territory.
“We’ve got this thing called, ‘It’s your shift’,” he said.
“We’ve banked those wins, celebrated them and now we have to refocus and head to Melbourne for our next shift.”
Humphrey has done his share of the work this season, slotting in for regular midfield minutes and winning tough ball to help out regulars Noah Anderson, Touk Miller and Matt Rowell.
Touted as a similar player to Dustin Martin by coach Damien Hardwick ahead of last season, the Melbourne product is beginning to show why after a quiet 2024 campaign.
He’s collected at least 11 contested possessions in his last four games and had a career-high five one-percenters, as well as a booming goal from outside 50 metres, against the Hawks.
“They’ve welcomed me with open arms in there and they trust me, which is nice,” Humphrey said of the Suns’ established engine room.
“I’m just trying to build that trust and play my role.
“They’ve taken most of the load for the last couple of years since I’ve been here, now it’s my turn to do my bit.
“They can play with freedom and when I go in there they can rely on me.”
Humphrey will notch 50 games against St Kilda on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, where his career began in 2023.
“Hopefully I get chaired off and everything, that’d be nice,” he grinned.
AAP
