Gold Coast after a repeat main course
topped Champion Data figures for disposals made – 445, ahead of Melbourne (430).
“The stats work on the ability to pressure opposition,” Eade said.
“Our pressure was exceptional. The tackle stats – the intent to tackle compared to tackles actually made – was way up.”
The Suns were third in tackling efficiency with 73.5 per cent, behind Melbourne (75.5 per cent) and Collingwood (74.5 per cent).
“A good team gets around the 70 per cent mark in attempted tackles and efficiency to complete them,”
VJIANGWAN STADIUM, SHANGHAI SUNDAY, 3.15PM Eade said. As well, the Suns beat Geelong by 10 in contested ball wins.
Eade said the focus at training has been on tackling but numbers had not been where the club wanted them.
Meanwhile, Suns assistant coach Andy Lovell said the morale-boosting win against Geelong was merely the first step in the Suns’ quest to win respect from rival clubs.
“Did we gain respect from that win? In this industry you gain respect over a long period of time,” Lovell said.
“We know one game won’t achieve that but certainly, internally, it gives us confidence we’re on the right path – and that’s really important.
“For us to earn the respect we want, we need to back up our performance from the weekend again in China – and in the weeks after that.
“To be able to stand up under pressure and finish the way we did was pleasing.”
Lovell said pre-match preparations were spot-on and the players were accordingly switched on.
The Suns will make decisions on a number of China hopefuls at training today – among them stars Gary Ablett and David Swallow.
Ablett appeared to hurt his right shoulder against Geelong and Swallow took a knock on his knee.
But Eade expects both to be on tomorrow’s flight, with the Suns to take 25 players.
“We don’t want to have to rush a replacement over on Friday if someone breaks down,” he said.