Five things we learnt in Suns’ defeat

The result didn’t go Gold Coast’s way against Sydney in Lismore on Sunday but it’s not all doom and gloom.

THE result didn’t go Gold Coast’s way against Sydney in Lismore on Sunday but it’s not all doom and gloom.

SUNS’ LEARN FROM DEFEAT

FIVE SUNS’ SELECTION GAMBLES

FORWARD PLANNING

Gold Coast look to have settled on most of their preferred senior side with the likes of state league recruit Chris Burgess virtually a lock to make his AFL debut after showing promise in his second JLT game while Sam Day was left as an emergency.

Sam Reid of the Swans competes for the ball against Suns players during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns at Oakes Oval on March 10, 2019 in Lismore, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

BIG HITTER

Sam Collins was strong down back, giving coach Stuart Dew confidence they can plug the enormous hole left by Rory Thompson who injured his ACL on Friday. Gold Coast’s 2018 co-captains Tom Lynch and Steven May anchored either end of the ground last year but it could be two uncapped players who do it in 2019.

Nick Blakey of the Swans competes for the ball during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns at Oakes Oval on March 10, 2019 in Lismore, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

CENTRE EFFORT

Jarrod Witts was as reliable at the centre bounce and at stoppages as ever but the Suns were found out at ground level. They were second to the ball too often and the young group were beaten by one of the most physical teams in the AFL.

Gold Coast Suns head coach Stuart Dew speaks to players at three quarter time during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns at Oakes Oval on March 10, 2019 in Lismore, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

HALFWAY THERE

It was breaking down further down the field but one of Gold Coast’s major issues was the breakdown around the opposition’s halfback. The forwards failed to track back and man the mark, forcing the midfield and then defence to press, opening gaps towards goal for the Swans.

Aaron Young of the Suns handballs during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns at Oakes Oval on March 10, 2019 in Lismore, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

HANLEY’S RETURN

Pearce Hanley’s fitness this year is critical to Gold Coast. The Irishman showed exactly why the Suns needed him fit and firing against the Swans. Hanley was solid in defence but his breakaway speed was the highlight, producing sweeping runs that had Gold Coast looking dangerous on the counter.