Suns seek revenge over opening loss
BRISBANE derailed Gold Coast’s season from the opening bounce and the Lions are threatening to send a young and under pressure Suns team out with another QClash demolition.
Suns ruckman Dan Currie said the club hasn’t forgotten the disastrous opening term ambush that led to a Round 1 loss at Metricon Stadium.
It sucked the life out of a promising Suns preseason that brought so much hope and left the club chasing to even up the win-loss column – that now sits at 6-13 – from the outset.
“It was certainly not a good start to the year with the way we lost that one and the first quarter,” Currie said.
“Until now we have had to focus on other opponents week-to-week but no doubt we will get a stern reminder of that this week.
“We will be carrying that in and we will be trying to redeem that performance from Round 1.”
Injuries have meant the Suns have been forced to carry a young side into games over the past month, using 42 of the 45 players on the list after Saturday’s 12.18 (90) to 10.7 (67) loss to Fremantle in Perth.
Those inexperienced players, including Max Spencer and Jack Scrimshaw, will face another mammoth test this Saturday at the Gabba if they take part in one of the most physical games of the club’s season.
“It’s a steep learning curve for these boys who are getting some exposure, they are getting thrown in the deep end a bit,” Currie said.
“It’s still a big clash in our eyes and Brisbane get up for it every time
“It’s a bit of a sink or swim approach and they will be better for it.”
Shoulder and foot injuries to in-form ruckman Jarrod Witts opened the door for Currie to play his first game of the year on Saturday and the 28-year-old helped Gold Coast win the hitout count 46-36.
Currie came to the Suns for more opportunity at the end of 2015 after being stuck behind Todd Goldstein and said he had to draw on that experience in 2017.
Currie was forced to be patient as Witts became one of the Suns best in his first year while coach Rodney Eade has chosen not to play two ruckman.
“It is frustrating and tough at times,” Currie said.
“You have to drive yourself at the lower level. Witts has had a great year so it certainly has been frustrating because you feel like your form warrants an opportunity but it’s obviously not happening so you just have to stay positive.
“Unfortunately I’ve been in this position for quite a while and I suppose I have dealt with it pretty well over my career.
“It’s not an ideal situation that is for sure.”