Hanley confident of a strong finish
PEARCE Hanley says a difficult season riddled with injury and family tragedy has made him a stronger person and ready to recapture his best form with the Gold Coast Suns.
Hanley has battled through a tough first year at the Suns that began with the loss of his younger brother Tommy to cancer in the opening stages of the season before heel and hamstring injuries took hold upon his return from Ireland.
It prevented him from being able to produce the football that made him a top recruit for the club last year when he was traded from the Brisbane Lions.
“It has been difficult,” Hanley said after playing an interrupted 10 games so far this season.
“I have had a lot of stuff go wrong and on top of that I wanted to get my form back and then got injured.
“I had a really good preseason and was set up for a big year that obviously didn’t eventuate.
“But the last few months I have had has only made me stronger as a person on and off the field.
“I think next year it’s going to shape and motivate me to get back to my best form and be a good footballer next year.”
Hanley revealed he still thought about his brother every day and before games, something that has put football and life into perspective.
“For anyone that has lost a family member - it doesn’t take a month or two to get over,” Hanley said.
“Every day it’s on your mind and going into most games but I think I have dealt with it very well.
“I don’t think my leadership among the group has fluctuated and I’m super proud of that.”
Hanley was Gold Coast’s best against Richmond on Saturday, gathering 31 possessions in an equal highest at his new club.
The 28-year-old Irishman said he was yet to reach the peak of his power at the Suns but is confident he can take steps forward in the final four games of the year.
“I feel in a good place now where I can play four games of good football and get that confidence to realise I can play at the level I can,” Hanley said.
“The weekend was a step forward. There were a lot of flaws in my game and a lot to improve on but it’s a good base.”
Meanwhile, Suns co-captain
Steven May
(right), star midfielder
Gary Ablett and Alex Sexton (concussion) got through yesterday’s training and are likely starters against Fremantle this weekend.
The news isn’t as good for in-form ruckman Jarrod Witts (shoulder/foot), Callum Ah Chee (shoulder/concussion) and Brayden Fiorini (hamstring) who are all unlikely to play.
Witts has played every game of the season but his absence means Dan Currie may get his chance at AFL level for the first time this year.