Gold Coast Suns VFL side will look to learn from last years mistakes in preliminary final

The Gold Coast Suns have returned to the preliminary final after what has been their strongest showing yet in the VFL.

The Gold Coast Suns have returned to the preliminary final after what has been their strongest showing yet in the VFL.

The Suns will take on the Box Hill Hawks on Saturday afternoon at Heritage Bank Stadium as they look to jump into the VFL grand final for the first time in the clubs history.

Suns captain James Tsitas said they have learnt the lessons from last years preliminary final loss.

“It was heartbreaking for sure, but you learn a lot from those types of games and take a lot out of it,” Tsitas said.

Gold Coast Suns VFL side are into the VFL preliminary finals this Saturday at Heritage Bank Stadium against Box Hill. Captain James Tsitas is ready and waiting. Picture Glenn Hampson

“We have a really strong squad now and we are building towards something special both on and off the field.

“It is a bit later (start time) than usual, so gives us a bit longer to get ready in the morning.

“We will just do what we have done, make sure we get the beats flowing and everyone pumped before the big game.”

The last time the two teams met was back in round 14 with the Suns dominating the Hawks by 64 points at Heritage Bank Stadium.

The Hawks have a number of their AFL listed players back in the side this weekend to challenge for the big dance on Saturday September 23.

Tsitas said the club is purely focused on showing the competition why they finished first at the end of the home and away season.

“We have developed a really good system and game plan and it will continue to grow as the players get more games under their belts,” Tsitas said.

“The couple of times I have met him (Damien Hardwick) has showed he is a really good professional.

“He will improve and add things to our already strong game plan for sure.

“I think having teams like us, Werribee, Box Hill and even other clubs in other State Leagues do well really strengthens the leagues.

“It closes the gap from that elite AFL level if anything.”

The Suns have gone with an unchanged line up from the 43 point qualifying final win over Queensland rivals Brisbane Lions.

Forwards Sam Davis and Chris Burgess both kicked four goals each and will look to continue the dominance up forward against the Hawks.

Bounce down between the Suns and the Hawks at Heritage Bank Stadium is at 3pm on Saturday September 16, with the winner to face off against either Werribee or Brisbane on Saturday September 23.