Suns AFLW: Five things we learnt from the Suns first match against GWS

The Gold Coast Suns played an epic first round of the AFLW against GWS. Here’s five things we learned from their debut.

THE Bulletin looks at five things we learnt from the Suns first AFLW game against GWS.

1. Suns bring the heat

The Suns’ took only one quarter to silence their doubters and make a name for themselves. While many external commentators quickly wrote off the Suns, their first 15 minutes of play indicated that they have what it takes to match it with most. Coach David Lake demanded his side bring effort and intent in their AFLW debut and the Suns’ willingness to tackle, protect their teammates and create overlap run was a thing of beauty. In the words of Giants coached Allan McConnell, the Suns ‘tackled the pants’ off their opposition and comprehensively won the tackle count 80-55.

Suns players after their loss during the round one AFLW match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

2. Inexperienced defence stands tall

Four out of the Suns’ five starting defenders all made their AFLW debut on Saturday but you wouldn’t have known it. With Sam Virgo calling the shots from full back, the Suns’ managed to propel attack after attack and hold the Giants to only nine points, their only breakthrough coming via Aimee Schmidt’s goal in the third quarter. The defence was at times under siege as the Suns’ struggled to move the ball past the halfway point of the field, punctuated by the lopsided 26-8 inside 50 count. Debutants Jordann Hickey and Lauren Ahrens were particularly impressive.

Cora Staunton of the Giants contests the ball with Lauren Ahrens of the Suns. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

3. Lake not afraid to shuffle the magnets

With his side down by one point with a quarter of football to play, Suns’ head coach David Lake had no reservations about tinkering with his usual formula. Defender turned forward Leah Kaslar had been stationed inside the attacking 50 for the entire game but soppy conditions meant the Suns found it difficult to get any deep inside 50 entries. At the final break, Lake shuffled the magnets and sent his star player to the first centre bounce in an attempt to nullify the dangerous Alyce Parker. Serene Watson was also sent to the back of the square and Jacqui Yorston found herself inside 50. The positional moves nearly paid off, Kaslar throwing her body around early and willing the ball forward.

4. Forwards dangerous despite limited opportunity

Saturday was a dirty day for key forwards but despite rain pummelling Blacktown, the Suns looked like scoring nearly every time they went inside 50. They managed to score three times from only eight inside 50’s to give them a strike rate of 37.5% which can only bode well if the Suns’ forwards get more opportunity.

Brittany Perry of the Suns kicks the ball during the round one AFLW match (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

5. Suns faithful turn out in force

Take note, Suns AFLW supporters are no fairweather bunch. Among the crowd of 1540, it was heartening to see waves of red in a majority GWS crowd. They made their voices heard as well, bellowing from the stands at each goal, tackle and defensive effort. We can’t wait to see what the fans can bring at Metricon in round two.