Gold Coast Suns committed to footy future in the Top End

GOLD Coast Suns have cemented their commitment to the Top End over the past few weeks and hope to continue doing so, despite the rescheduled AFL match against Hawthorn

Gold Coast Suns players including Territorian Janet Baird made plenty of community visits in their time in Darwin. Photo: Gold Coast Suns Media

GOLD Coast Suns have cemented their commitment to the Top End over the past few weeks and hope to continue doing so, despite the rescheduled AFL match against Hawthorn.

The much-anticipated TIO Stadium match scheduled for Saturday was officially postponed on Wednesday following an outbreak of coronavirus cases in Melbourne and then on Thursday transferred to the SCG.

However, the Suns are adamant that their relationship with the Top End extends further than a single match.

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The relationship has already seen Territorians Janet Baird, Malcolm Rosas Jr and Joel Jeffrey drafted by the Gold Coast club.

And school and community visits over the past week have shown that the club is committed to growing the game in the Top End.

Over the past few days, AFL and AFLW Suns stars have worked hard to inspire aspiring stars, doing drills and giving out gifts at plenty of schools.

Kate Surman was among those to engage in the community, while also training with the NT Thunder girls originally set to play the curtain raiser game ahead of the AFL match.

“Interacting with the young kids, it’s always nice to take some time off and interact with these young superstars,” Surman said.

“It’s beautiful up here. A little hotter than what we’re used to but it has a really good community feel.

“A few of us trained with the NT Thunder girls and there’s a lot of talent there. It’s really important for us to come up and give our knowledge about what’s needed to get to that next level.”

Suns ruckman Matt Conroy also spent plenty of time visiting schools teaching drills and handing out Suns gear.

“It’s rewarding. Getting to get out and do stuff in the community and see them smile and laugh is always good,” Conroy said.

“It’s good to expose the Suns brand and get the kids seeing it ahead of the game coming up here.”

Suns general manager of consumer and community Jane McGough said the club’s relationship with the NT was about more than just playing a game in the region.

“For us at the Suns, the NT partnership is about more than just a game,” McGough said.

“There are many other elements to our commitment to Darwin and the NT and although we can’t play the game this weekend, we’re still committed to helping grow the game in the region.

“That’s why we still have player out attending schools and community groups in the area.

“It’s important that we keep the community healthy and active and hopefully inspire the next generation of Suns AFL and AFLW players in the Northern Territory.