Emotion won’t win QClash, says Lynch
TOM Lynch says Gold Coast can’t rely on the emotion surrounding the QClash to lift the Suns out of a slump and back into form.
Gold Coast have returned from a 10-day trip to Western Australia without any premiership points following losses to Fremantle and West Coast that have put them at 2-2 after four games.
Coach Stuart Dew said the 21.13 (139) to 9.5 (59) loss to the Eagles on Saturday had put players’ places in the team at risk as they prepare for a Round 5 game where they will meet a Brisbane Lions outfit desperate to secure their first win of the AFL season against their rivals.
QClash games have a reputation for bringing out the best in both teams despite form but Lynch said the Suns don’t see the emotional encounter as the answer.
“You can’t play with emotion the whole time,” he said.
“We were really disappointed with our performance (on Saturday).
“We got off to a good start in the first two weeks but our pressure has dropped.
“The tackling was one of the positives to come from the first two games but it’s fallen away.
“We will start there and get those numbers up.
“We always look forward to the QClash and we don’t like losing to Brisbane.”
Lynch rolled his ankle in a marking contest in the third quarter of the loss on Saturday and received treatment before returning to the field.
The Suns co-captain said he was confident he would be available for Sunday’s clash at the Gabba.
The key forward revealed the playing group and coaches had a blunt discussion in the moments after the game at Optus Stadium where individuals took ownership of their performances.
“We had a pretty honest and open chat after the game,” Lynch said.
“It was pretty thorough and everyone was fairly honest. I think we got a lot out of it to turn it around this week.
“A number of guys put their hand up and said individually they didn’t do what was required as a team and that’s what we are about.
“We had complete ownership from the playing group and we didn’t shy away from it. You can’t hide from an 80point loss.”