Plenty of shining moments in Suns’ loss
THE Gold Coast Suns’ Far North stars have done their chances of being part of the club’s AFLW team no harm with an encouraging performance at Tom Wills Oval in Sydney.
The Suns were forced to play in wet and slippery conditions in the first Winter Series match against the Northern GWS Giants, falling 7.8 (50) to 2.4 (16).
The Giants featured 10 AFLW listed players but Suns assistant coach Jo Butland said Cairns’ Sodyla Kris, Luana Healey and Selina Goodman were hard at the footy all day.
“The coaches were certainly encouraged with their games,” Butland said.
“Sodyla played as a halfback flanker and rotating off the bench. That’s new for her. She played a key role there and was strong defensively.
“Luana kicked the second goal for the Suns up forward and created a lot of contests. It’s pleasing for her and a nice little feather in her cap.
“Sel is trying to play in some different positions from when she was with the Lions. She was under a lot of pressure but created a lot of contests. In wet weather footy it’s hard to take many clean marks.”
After playing in the Queensland junior representative team last week in Perth, South Cairns Cutters’ Kitara Farrar was rested for the clash.
“With the combination of playing two hard games last week and the travel she’s had we thought it was better for her to have a break,” Butland said. “Depending on her Queensland commitments though I think she’ll feature in one of the next two games.”
Next the Suns take on the Southern GWS Giants on June 24 at Southport Sharks’ home ground, Frankhauser Reserve.
“We’ll go over the footage and reset for that game,” Butland said. “The girls really did improve each quarter and took on all the feedback we gave them. The last quarter was certainly our best.
“We play the Lions after that game in a curtain raiser at Metricon Stadium which will be really exciting.”
The Suns enter the AFLW competition in 2020.