Pearce Hanley overcomes emotional start to Gold Coast Suns career to shine in win over West Coast

PEARCE Hanley has overcome an emotional start to his tenure at the Gold Coast and the star recruit is bent on repaying the faith the Suns and his teammates have put in him.

PEARCE Hanley has overcome an emotional start to his tenure at the Gold Coast and the star recruit is bent on repaying the faith the Suns and his teammates have put in him.

Hanley has opened up for the first time about the pain of losing younger brother Tommy to cancer and the heel injury that stalled his return to football for a further four games.

The Irishman said the events put life into perspective and gave Saturday’s win over West Coast added significance.

It was Hanley’s first win for the club after only featuring in Round 1 and 10 losses to Brisbane and Melbourne in what was also Gold Coast’s first win over West Coast.

Will Brodie and Pearce Hanley of the Suns are sprayed with gatorade as they celebrate victory after the round 11 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the West Coast Eagles at Metricon Stadium (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“It’s been tough times but the boys have been very supportive,” Hanley said.

“They have been great which makes it easier and getting back and playing some good footy is me repaying the faith they have showed in me the last couple of weeks.

“I haven’t contributed too much this year so I’m just happy to be back.”

Hanley said his off-field issues had made it difficult to get motivated to play but the 28-year-old was among Gold Coast’s best in a game where he collected 31 possessions.

“The joys of being part of a football club you have got so much support around so I have been very lucky,” Hanley said.

SUNS FIND WRIGHT STUFF TO END EAGLES HOODOO

“I knew I had that kind of performance in me and it was just a matter of trying to get it out.

“With how emotional the last few weeks has been to try and get motivated - I have found that pretty tough with what has gone on.

“But I bounced back and I’m just pleased with not necessarily my game but my leadership out.

“I’m so proud of the boys.”

It was a much improved performance from Hanley who took time transitioning back into football against the Demons a week earlier.

“To say I was rusty last week was an understatement,” Hanley said.

“I was better this week. To finally get a win was exciting and I’m over the moon.

“We have worked a lot on our leadership and character and tyring to finish out games strongly.

“We executed the game plan and that’s what I’m most proud of the boys for.”

Suns coach Rodney Eade said the decision to rush Hanley back last week played a role in his success against the Eagles.

“Having that poise and ability to hit a target to make good decisions really helps us, especially with a young group,” Hanley said.

“We played him early last week. I think if we hadn’t of played him last week than he wouldn’t have performed like he did (against West Coast). Getting that game under his belt last week really helped him.”