Gold Coast Suns facing early test of credentials against Melbourne Demons
Having beaten the West Coast Eagles in Perth, the Gold Coast Suns are now chasing the scalp of the AFL premiers.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew says the Suns must strike the right “balance” between backing themselves and respecting the massive threat posed by the Melbourne Demons to avoid a 10th successive loss to the reigning premiers.
Having kicked off the season with a memorable 27-point weekend win over the West Coast Eagles, the Suns’ confidence is high ahead of Saturday’s battle at Metricon Stadium against the Demons, who started their premiership defence with a 26-point defeat of the Western Bulldogs in a rematch of last season’s grand final.
“Clearly they’re the dominant side of the competition, not only last year but this year already, so they haven’t gone backwards,” Dew said.
“It’s a good challenge for us. There’ll be some good little battles across the ground – we’re looking forward to it.”
Dew has urged the Suns not to fall into the trap of solely worrying about the damage a star-studded Demons line-up could cause.
“It’s going to be a game of balance,” the Suns coach said.
“If you go in too heavy with an opposition mindset, it’s almost a self-fulfilling prophecy.
“You’ve got to play your game as well. We’re constantly going to be in a bit of an arm-wrestle to how much we want it on our terms, but also cater for theirs.
“It’s going to be good to watch. The boys are keen to get amongst it. Clearly they want to test themselves.”
The Demons have won their past nine matches against the Suns, with the Gold Coast’s most recent win over Melbourne as far back as April 2014 at the MCG.
Dew is concerned by talk of a hoodoo.
“This group here have only really played in the last couple of years, the core of our group, but our focus has to be if we bring our strengths, that gives us every chance,” he said.
“We’ve got to stay in the moment against Melbourne because they’ll get some looks, and get some momentum. We’ve got to be able to arrest that, but then when we get our looks, we’ve got to make sure we hit the scoreboard and take those opportunities.”
Young gun Matt Rowell will need to be prominent, as he was against the Eagles, if the Suns are to upset the Demons.
“We’re not surprised that he performed consistently across the day and influenced the result (against the Eagles),” Dew said of Rowell.
“It’s great for the competition. We want all our young players out there playing as much as possible. There’s a good little batch coming through and we’re lucky enough to have a few at our club.”
Originally published as Gold Coast Suns facing early test of credentials against Melbourne Demons
Potential Houston replacement puts Port contract talks on hold
He has been touted as a breakout contender for Port Adelaide and is unsigned beyond this year. But for now this Power youngster’s focus is on playing regularly, not a new deal.
Why Allen needs Eagles more than they need him amid Lions links
It’s a strange statement to attach to the co-captain of a bottom-four club, but Oscar Allen needs the struggling Eagles more than they need him, writes ELIZA REILLY.