Suns’ top-four spot on line in Geelong ‘litmus test’
Shayne Hope |
Damien Hardwick doesn’t know how much progress he’s made in attempting to turn Gold Coast into genuine AFL finals threats, and ultimately flag contenders.
But the three-time Richmond premiership coach feels he’s about to find out.
Stung by a tough home loss to Fremantle, the Suns (8-3) take on Geelong (8-4) at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday in what shapes as another huge examination of their credentials.
“It’s a great litmus test for our group and how far we’ve come,” Gold Coast coach Hardwick said on Thursday.
“Every game is another opportunity to improve and build on our identity piece, and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.
“They’re an outstanding football club – well-coached, well-drilled and very experienced in what they do and how they operate – so it’s going to be a great test for us.”
Hardwick declared last week’s 11-point defeat to Fremantle a “gift” that highlighted some shortcomings the Suns need to work on.
At the top of the list was giving up easy scores, with Hardwick admitting his side paid too much “crap goal tax” early in the match.
“We gave up about four goals that are unlike us and unfortunately we paid the price,” he said.
“What we have learnt though is that in every game we give ourselves an opportunity.
“Our system keeps us safe and it’s an arm-wrestle and then hopefully eventually we come over the top.
“The great thing about our season thus far is we’ve done that more times than not.”
Hardwick, a veteran of 548 AFL games as a player and senior coach, will venture to Geelong’s Kardinia Park ground for just the fifth time since his debut for Essendon in 1994.
The 52-year-old is still searching for his first victory at the venue, where the Cats are rarely beaten.
So too are the Suns, who are winless in eight attempts.
It will be Gold Coast’s first trip to GMHBA Stadium since August 2021, when they were thrashed by Essendon in front of empty stands at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People often talk about how skinny the ‘Cattery’ is, but it’s the length, in my view, that generally challenges you the most,” Hardwick said.
“You’ve sort of got to play to the ball, not the markings on the ground.
“What the Cats are very good at is getting marks inside-50, so we’ve got to make sure we understand they don’t want to kick long and they’re not going to kick long.
“We’ve got to make sure we defend those little lead-ups.”
Hardwick changed the dimensions of Gold Coast’s training ground to match those of GMHBA Stadium in preparation for Saturday’s contest.
AAP
