Era for women begins
SUNS women’s coach David Lake compared it to guiding an international team full of unknown talent and he wasn’t disappointed by the result.
Gold Coast made history on Saturday, rolling out their women’s team for the first time since beginning their AFLW list build in preparation for 2020.
The Suns lost to Brisbane 4.7 (31) to 2.3 (15) at Metricon Stadium in the first game of the QW Winter Series.
Many of the players met just two days earlier, leaving Lake little time to implement the structures and playing methods he will use at AFLW level.
Lake said keeping things uncomplicated and allowing the girls to play freely was crucial.
“It was a bit like when I coached PNG (Papua New Guinea) and you don’t spend a lot of time in the country,” Lake said in what was his first time at the helm of a club.
“The players come in and the message has to be simple as much as there needs to be trust between coach and player that the direction is right. The player gives their all and you give them not too much information and you allow them to go out and be free.”
Gold Coast have 16 players signed to their list and some of the women who feature in the Winter Series could make up the remaining 14 spots.
“I have to find 14 more players,” Lake said.
“The first 16 I have an expectation of because I found them but the other 14 I have to find out what they bring and how they complement what I got.
“I need to try things so if that costs me, it won’t cost me later on. It might just cost me now in a game that is all about development and planning.”
Former Brisbane player Sam Virgo played against her old club for the first time, acting as co-captain alongside Jacqueline Yorston.
“It was interesting (playing the Lions). I have lots of really good friends there and I’ll continue to maintain those friendships,” Virgo said.
“I do have a bit of white line fever though so once I cross that line and they are opposition.
“As a team we were really focused on just taking a step forward in our pursuit of our first AFLW season and we are really comfortable with our competitiveness.”
Gold Coast and Brisbane will play game two of the series on June 23 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.