Gold Coast Suns Izak Rankine and Sean Lemmens open up about stripping weight ahead of 2020 AFL season

Get leaner, to go longer. That is the mantra for many of the Suns in 2020, including housemates Sean Lemmens and Izak Rankine.

GET LEANER, to go longer.

That is the mantra for many of the Suns in 2020, including housemates Sean Lemmens and Izak Rankine.

The duo have shed 3kg and 4kg respectively in a bid to improve their running capacity in the AFL this season on the back of an injury-plagued 2019 for both.

“When I was younger I was more of a runner but I got to 17 or 18 and lost that aspect of my game, I didn’t focus on it too much,” Rankine said after bouncing back from the hamstring issues that plagued him last year.

Gold Coast SUNS players at Currumbin. Izak Rankine, Lauren Ahrens, and Sean Lemmens on the beach at Currumbin. . Picture Glenn Hampson

“It’s something I want to work on for myself and I know it will make me a better player overall and keep me in the game longer.

“I have had a really good start to the year. I have got my body right from the obstacles I had last year.

“I ran a better 2km this year, finishing in the top eight and I’m a lot stronger.

“It makes training easier and making it through the whole day easier.

“As a club we are moving in the right direction.”

Lemmens bulked up in 2019 to improve his ability to impact on a contest but also battled ankle problems that same year.

SIGN UP NOW FOR OUR FULL ON FOOTY GOLD COAST NEWSLETTERS

“I developed that strength in the contest but I spoke (with the coaches) about stripping down while keeping my explosiveness,” Lemmens said.

“I want to be able to cover the ground better and keep up with the elite runners.”

Lemmens announced last week he and partner Chaye Newchurch were expecting their first child this year.

The 25-year-old forward predicted becoming a father would provide another perspective on life and football.

“It’s going to be exciting, there are a few of us now who have kids so it will be nice to have them around the club now,” Lemmens said.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly

“I guess it’s time to grow up a little bit.

“I have spoken to Jarrod Harbrow about it and he says it gives you another perspective on life. Hopefully that is the case.”

Lemmens’ news comes on the back of teammate and Suns key defender Rory Thompson revealing at the end of last year he was expecting a child while David Swallow welcomed son Charlie into the world in 2018.