Flanders to tee off in his debut match
KNOW what your one wood is.
That was the advice given to Suns forward Sam Flanders before he produced a hot streak of form in scratch matches over a month that has led to his AFL debut.
Flanders, 19, will be part of a reshaped forward line alongside Josh Corbett, who will play his first game of the season, while Brayden Fiorini has also been brought in for the game against Essendon on Wednesday night.
The trio will replace axed duo Alex Sexton and Nick Holman while Jeremy Sharp (hip) will miss through injury.
The golf saying refers to knowing your strengths and Flanders is ready to dig into his bag and pull out his greatest weapon against the Bombers at Metricon Stadium.
“We have been talking about having your one wood, knowing what it is and knowing your strengths,” Flanders said.
“I feel like I have been able to show that over the past couple of weeks, get back to how I like to play and feel comfortable within the structure and within the group.
“I have been able to get confidence from it. When I’m at my best I am pressuring the ball, laying big tackles and kicking goals.
“I’m an aggressive halfforward who likes to make it uncomfortable for the defenders. I’m competitive by nature. I hate to lose.”
Flanders was in a team meeting when coach Stuart Dew left a spot in the forward line blank on the screen depicting the team for the Round 11 clash before confirming the man from country Victoria would make his AFL debut.
“I’m stoked. There is a little bit of relief there as well. I have had a few setbacks,” Flanders said.
“I had a sneaky bit of hope when he left a spot blank that my name would pop up.”