The crucial cogs of AFL's Round 7: Which players need to be the difference makers?
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Gold Coast Suns have lost their lustre over the last couple of weeks. Their eight-point win over the Melbourne Demons should have been closer to a belting.
The Suns gave themselves plenty of opportunities, but continually sabotaged their own efforts with atrocious attempts at goal. Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna conceded the win was ‘ugly’ but was of course happy to take the four points.
A few determined Demons, including James Frawley and Nathan Jones, briefly threatened to snatch victory from the Suns in the last two quarters, but needed more support.
Gary Ablett and Greg Broughton didn’t disappoint. Sean Lemmens, in his fifth AFL game for the Suns, showed he has the guts to take on the game. But at times, the Gold Coast team lacked the toughness they have shown in previous matches.
It was a disappointing match from both sides, with Melbourne allowing the Suns to get the ball too often, and the Gold Coast then racing to their forward line and not getting the job done.
McKenna’s team is maturing. They may have lost their spark this week, but they are becoming more consistent at playing four quarters, and that consistency may just have gotten them across the line this week.
But McKenna knows his young side will provide more than their share of frustrations. During the Suns versus Demons match, I must say I found watching the coaches’ facial expressions and body language more entertaining than the match itself.
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We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
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