Third time lucky: Suns open up as history beckons
Murray Wenzel |
Noah Anderson has ensured there are no elephants in the Gold Coast rooms as the Suns try for a third time to scratch their 15-year AFL finals itch.
The 14-8 Suns host Essendon (6-16) on Wednesday, needing victory to jump into the top-eight and play finals for the first time since their 2011 debut.
Both sides have loaded up for the pivotal clash, with the Suns regaining Daniel Rioli and Bailey Humphrey.
Essendon, who are on a 12-game losing streak, recalled midfielder Sam Durham and defender Jayden Laverde. They were late withdrawals from last week’s loss to Carlton.
Anderson hopes it’s a case of third time lucky after Gold Coast were unable to close the deal in losses to GWS and an inspired Port Adelaide in the past 11 days.
“I don’t think anyone would not feel nervous, but at the same time there’s a lot of confidence in our group,” Anderson said on Tuesday.
“We’ve had a really good year, playing some good footy, and we understand what happens if we lose.”
A narrow victory would mean the Suns finish eighth and play the Giants away in the first week of the finals.
But a percentage-boosting win could push them into seventh for a Perth battle with Fremantle, dropping Hawthorn into eighth to face the Giants.
However, a shock loss in the rescheduled opening-round fixture would leave the Suns ninth, with the Western Bulldogs staying in the top eight.
The Bombers are injury-riddled and given their losing streak as well, the scenario only adds to the weight of expectation on Damien Hardwick’s side.
Anderson admitted Gold Coast were unable to cope with Port’s pressure in Friday’s four-point Adelaide Oval loss, costing them the chance for a crucial top-four finish.
And he said there had been no ducking any awkward conversations this week as the Suns attempt to end the club’s painstaking wait for September football.
“Just by talking about it, being honest with ourselves and connected as teammates and friends,” he said of their approach.
“It’s about getting to a space where you’re ready to perform and have fun and play together.
“By keeping calm, establishing such good relationships … we’re able to have those honest, non-judgemental conversations about how the boys are feeling
“Once you put that out there you can move past it and I’m confident the group’s in a great space.”
Anderson said the returns of Rioli (leg) and Humphrey (knee) from injury were “pretty handy”.
“Two guys with immense talent that provide a real spark to our group and are great connectors as well,” he said.
The Suns also recalled Jake Rogers as Alex Sexton, Oscar Adams and Lachie Gulbin were dropped.
Jade Gresham is out of Essendon’s side for personal reasons and Zak Johnson was omitted.
AAP
