Damien Hardwick says Gold Coast has the game and mentality to make an impact in September, even as he concedes his side must address its tendency to leak goals after building big leads.
The Suns sit sixth on the ladder ahead of Saturday’s clash with Greater Western Sydney and likely need just one win from their final three games to secure a maiden finals berth.
But Hardwick admits there’s still fine-tuning to be done after recent lapses saw Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne, and the Giants eat into or overturn significant margins.
“Sometimes momentum is one of the hardest things to stop in footy,” Hardwick said. “Last time against the Giants, we got beaten by individual brilliance, by (Jake) Stringer and (Toby) Greene. Last week was more about playing our moments and not quite getting that right. I’d rather experience that now than when it really matters … and it’s starting to really matter now.”
MORE: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera update given as St Kilda coach Ross Lyon also comments
Belief in September push
Despite those hiccups, Hardwick believes the Suns’ style – and the venue they call home, gives them the tools to compete deep into the season.
“This side is built for finals,” he said. “The ground we play at, the way we play. The experience I’ve had and the growth in this group lends itself to a finals football club. We feel it stands up on that last day in September.”
The Suns will regain Sam Flanders from a back issue to face the Giants.
This week’s preparations were also shaped by the funeral of Jackson Graham, older brother of midfielder Will, whose death last week has deeply affected the club and local community.