Suns coach David Lake believes their clash against Geelong is “season-defining”

Suns coach David Lake has labelled Friday night’s contest against Geelong “season-defining” as the Suns fight to remain in AFLW finals contention.

SUNS coach David Lake has labelled Friday night’s contest against Geelong “season-defining” as the Suns fight to remain in AFLW finals contention.

‘WE’RE NOT HERE TO MAKE UP NUMBERS’

At the halfway mark of the season, the Suns sit fifth overall on the AFLW Conference A ladder with a win and a draw to their name, just one place above the Cats.

David Lake and Lauren Bella arrive in Mackay for the Suns match against Geelong. SUPPLIED

With just four rounds to go until the top three sides proceed to finals, Lake said his side must bank the four points on offer tomorrow night if they are to be any chance of featuring in the final three games of the season.

“It’s season-defining in that sense,” he said.

“If we take the four points out of this, it puts us in a good position to look ahead at making finals.

“It’s really important to where our season is at.

“The win was good, the draw was okay and then a couple of losses but we know need to come to Mackay and get four points before we get on the road out of here.”

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The Suns were gallant against North Melbourne last week, remaining within reach of an upset victory until late in the game when forward Daisy Bateman kicked the sealer.

Lake said the next challenge for his side would be to return to and exceed their peak form.

“We’re finding a level now and we need to take it to the next step,” he said.

“Last week’s loss taught us a bit about the level we can get to but now it’s can we get to that level without North Melbourne to take us there.

“We need to get there by ourselves.”

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Tonight marks the first time Mackay will host an AFLW match, Lake lauding the recent form of hometown hero Lauren Bella who returns to Mackay on the back of her best game for the Suns against North Melbourne.

“She had the game of her life last week,” Lake said.

“It was probably the best game of football I’ve seen Lauren play which means she’s continuing to evolve as a player.”