Gold Coast star Nick Holman says the Suns are ‘up for challenge’ set by new coach Damien Hardwick

The ‘clean slate’ under new Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has the Suns excited and expecting to reach the finals for the first time this year.

Players at the Gold Coast Suns are embracing new coach Damien Hardwick’s declaration that qualifying for a maiden finals series is the bare minimum expected this season, revelling in the three-time premiership-winning mentor’s “clean slate” approach with the group.

The Suns’ preparations for their “Opening Round” clash with Hardwick’s former club Richmond on March 9 step up a notch on Thursday night when they meet the Brisbane Lions in a practice match at Springfield’s Brighton Homes Arena.

Finals football has eluded Gold Coast in the club’s 13-season AFL history, with the Suns never having placed higher than 12th on the ladder.

However, Hardwick this week told afl.com.au that finishing in the top eight in his first season in charge of the Suns would be the “floor” in terms of expectations.

It was music to ears of Gold Coast star Nick Holman.

“That’s the maturity of the group,” Holman said.

“We don’t want to have a ceiling of where we’re going. We want to play finals and win finals, and play in grand finals. There’s no point shying away from that.

“That’s the challenge that we’re up for, and I think we’ve got the group to do it.”

Suns star Nick Holman says there’s a ‘different feel’ on the Gold Coast under Damien Hardwick. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Holman said it was a “clean slate” this year at the Suns under Hardwick.
“Everyone’s got to impress and put their best foot forward That’s really shown on the (training) track,” he said.

“We’ve always been a strong training team and that hasn’t changed this year. It’s just the game plan and the structure around it that has changed.

“It’s a different feel to last year. I’m excited for the season.”

Holman expects to play three of the four quarters on Thursday night, with his job as a small forward including putting “pressure” on the Lions.

“In the first meeting I had with `Dimma’ (Hardwick), he spoke about that small forward and how important that role is,” he said.

“I hadn’t taken too much notice of it when Richmond were really good, but looking back now and seeing that role, it will be an important one for me.

“Pressure’s number one, finishing goals would be nice as well, but also setting up structures and helping the other small forwards set up as well.”

The Lions will be without co-captain Lachie Neale, who continues his recovery from off-season groin surgery.

Neale s hopeful of returning next week in Brisbane’s Community Series clash against Sydney.

However, vice-captain Hugh McCluggage is set to play against the Suns after recovering from a corked thigh that forced him to miss last Friday’s intra-club trial.