The Gold Coast Suns entered the 2014 season with the goal of making the finals for first time. Currently, after six rounds, Gold Coast are sitting nicely in sixth spot and have done what was required.
They have beaten GWS, Brisbane and Melbourne after opening the season with a great win over the Tigers. With four wins and two losses, it is clear that the group of young men are bringing together their talents consistently on the football field as they look to build a strong midfield led by Gary Ablett.
However, the test is yet to come for the Suns. One arrives this weekend and the next three weeks after that.
The next month sees the Suns come up against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, then the bye, St Kilda at Etihad, then the improving Bulldogs at Metricon.
Clearly the biggest test is the match against North Melbourne this coming weekend. North have been inconsistent so far this season, however when they are on they are brilliant to watch.
Coming back from Perth shouldn’t be an issue for the Roos. They have an eight-day break after playing on Anzac Day in their stunning victory against a troubled and inaccurate Fremantle.
North Melbourne however, are yet to show everyone that they are a real contender for the flag and do have their weaknesses across the field.
Their performances against Sydney and Fremantle have been impressive, but they have struggled to play free-flowing football against traditional Victorian clubs Essendon and Collingwood. They only managed 58 points against Collingwood and 60 against the Bombers.
Both North and the Gold Coast have good midfielders such as Ablett, Brent Harvey, David Swallow and Sam Gibson. North may not have their captain, but they do have depth in this area just like their younger opponents.
If we the break down the strengths and weaknesses of both teams there is one area on the ground in which the match will be won or lost. This is the defence of the Suns against the forwards of the Roos.
Rory Thompson versus Drew Petrie will be a crucial match-up on the day. In his 250th match, Petrie stepped up with a clutch goal late on, yet his inconsistent form will be put to the test against the young Suns defender.
Then there will be the match-up between Lindsay Thomas and Jarrod Harbrow, two experienced campaigners.
If the Suns can win, their season will officially be flying. With expected wins against the Saints and the Dogs (although they won’t be easy matches) there would be a real possibility that the Suns could be 7-2. Yes, that is seven wins and two losses after nine rounds for one of the AFL’s expansion sides.
TomC
Roar Guru
Hah! Saw the headline, and assumed you were talking about Steven May! I was almost all the way through the article before I realised my mistake. But yeah, agreed. Although I'd be quite surprised if they didn't beat both St Kilda and Western, neither of whom I see as being in calculations for finals. The most instructive game might even be on the first of June, away to the Crows. If they do have a realistic shot of making the finals it'll need to be at the expense of a team like Adelaide. Personally, not convinced that they're in the top eight teams in the league, but their draw is stupidly favourable, so on that alone I guess they're a chance to play finals.
Tommo
Roar Rookie
When Bock and Dixon return Suns are gonna go up a gear. They will be almost like the Giants (forward line-wise) with a midfield. Watch out AFL
Avatar
Roar Guru
Should be a great match, it will be a huge indicator as to how far these two teams (North Melbourne and Gold Coast) have come in the last twelve months. Was impressed by how the Suns performed against the Giants on Saturday and they will need to repeat that if they are to beat the Roos at Etihad on Sunday. The Suns have already beaten them once, though that was at home when the Roos lost so many matches by close margins. The next three or so weeks will give the Suns a big chance to break their Etihad Stadium curse, can they do it?
Riddos
Guest
Some important players should be back on deck for the Suns in the next few weeks which will help, Dixon, Bennell, and Bock will all add some quality and depth to the squad.