‘WE GOT BEATEN BY A BETTER SIDE:’ SUNS VOW TO LEARN FROM DEVASTATING LOSS

OVERVIEW

Result: 4th on ladder before finals with two wins, three losses and a draw. Lost semi-final against Fremantle.

Grade: A

Defying their harshest critics, the Suns qualified for finals in their debut AFLW season, albeit in bizarre circumstances. Despite being bundled out to the tune of 70 points in their semi-final against Fremantle, the Suns can comfortably take the title for 2020’s best expansion side and with a list constructed mainly of young talent, fans should be very excited about what they can achieve in the next few years. They also made history as the first Suns team to make finals which is an extraordinary feat in itself.

SUNS’ LONG JOURNEY TO FINALS SHOT

THE HIGHLIGHT

The Suns were forced to venture south to play Greater Western Sydney in their AFLW league debut but their return to Queensland and Metricon Stadium house warming against Richmond was a thing of beauty. Making history with an 11 point win, Kate Surman kicked two goals, Jamie Stanton collected 20 disposals, the Suns survived a last quarter scare and the Suns recorded their first AFLW win in front of more than 7000 adoring home fans. February 15th will be a day to remember.

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THE LOWLIGHT

Unfortunately for the Suns, they left their worst performance until last. After slowly building each week as the season wore on, a 70 point thumping at the hands of Fremantle would not be the way they wanted to end their season. The Suns were competitive early and looked like they would make a game of it before crumbling under Dockers’ pressure after half time. Whether it was inexperience, a gruelling challenging schedule (including back to back trips to Perth), external distractions or the weight of momentum, the Suns will rue finishing their season on such a bitter note.

THE STAR

Jamie Stanton took her game to yet another level in 2020. Chalking up her 30th AFLW game in their semi-final against Fremantle, Stanton consistently starred and led the Suns in disposals, metres gained, contested possessions, clearances, kicks, score involvements and inside 50s. Need I say more? Was undisputedly the Suns best this season and stood up time and time again. Also finished 9th in the AFL coaches association votes with 28.

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MS CONSISTENT

She gave up footy for seven years to pursue her career, but Jade Pregelj did not miss a beat in her much-hyped return. Coming up against some of the AFLW’s best forwards week after week, you can count on one hand how many one-on-one contests she lost throughout the season. Playing in front of her opponent each week, Pregelj was ever reliable and led the Suns in rebound 50s. Also led the AFLW in intercept possessions with 55.

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RISING STAR

It’s impossible to go past Kalinda Howarth. After being delisted by the Brisbane Lions without playing a game, Howarth emerged as one of the league’s most prodigious talents and will only get better with each game she plays. Finished the season with nine goals (5th overall in the AFLW and 1st for the Suns) but just as impressive is her ability to read the ball both in the air and once it hits the ground.

TALKING POINT

One of the big talking points at the start of the season was which expansion side would prove 2020’s best inclusion. After six rounds of AFLW action and one week of finals, we may be biased but we’re anointing the Suns as 2020’s best new face. The Suns were the only expansion side to make finals this year and made history as the first expansion side to qualify for finals (along with North Melbourne who are in their second season). They were the first expansion side to win a game in 2020 and equalled St Kilda with the most games won by an expansion side (but finished with more points thanks to their draw against the Lions). Some may argue the Suns wins only came against fellow expansion sides in West Coast and Richmond, weakening their case, though they also demonstrated they could match it with the best against the Lions and North Melbourne. The Suns’ game plan stands up, they just need to maintain it for four quarters and they will be a force in 2021.