Gold Coast Suns chasing premiership success while Tsitas awaits tribunal verdict
The Gold Coast Suns are preparing for the biggest week in the clubs history as they line up to deliver the first piece of silverware.
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The Gold Coast Suns are preparing for the biggest week in the clubs history as they line up to deliver the first piece of silverware.
The Suns knocked off Box Hill Hawks in the preliminary final at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday, earning them a spot in their first ever VFL grand final to take on the Werribee Tigers at Ikon Park on Sunday September 24.
Suns defender Joel Jeffrey said it is great to see the club pushing for success and growing together.
“I was injured for a while and then coming back into the side, the connection within the group was a big part of why we are where we are at today,” Jeffrey said.
“Everyone is pushing to get a spot in the AFL team so that can be quite competitive.
“But we all stick by each other and love each other and that is why we have been winning this season.
“We haven’t been in this position before and you see other AFL clubs that have won grand finals, do have strong VFL sides.
“So this is a chance for us to push our case going into next year.
“Having the AFL boys in the change rooms after will hopefully be a big eye opener for them to want to play in a grand final.”
The Suns played Werribee in round nine, with the Tigers winning by just two points in a fierce contest in Avalon.
It was the Suns first loss of the season, which then went on to see them win 13 of the next 14 games, including the qualifying and preliminary finals.
“Last time we played them, we were up by 40 points and we let it slip,” Jeffrey said.
“But since then we have been able to build a consistent brand of footy and stay connected.
“And when it comes to those pressure moments, we lift to another level and push each other to get over the line.”
Suns captain James Tsitas was offered a one-game suspension with an early plea for striking in the preliminary final victory.
With the club confirming on Tuesday they would be challenging the decision.
“He has a differently personality that no many have, he is a good bloke and whatever happens, happens,” Jeffrey said.
“But we would love to have him out there, he is an important player and person to our footy club.
“Fingers crossed.”
The clash between the Gold Coast Suns and Werribee Tigers is being played at Ikon Park on Sunday September 24 at 3:10pm.
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