Suns keen to match rivals GWS
ANDREW HAMILTON GOLD Coast are desperate to erase memories of their embarrassing start to the QClash and have spent the week preparing to match fire with fire against their other great rivals the Giants today.
The Suns hate comparisons with fellow expansion club GWS, who rank alongside the Lions as the club Gold Coast are most desperate to beat.
To do that on the Giants’ home deck at Spotless Stadium they must play with a higher level of intensity than the premiership favourites from the opening bounce.
GWS were stunned by Adelaide in Round 1 and would find their September credentials being questioned if they were to slump to 0-2.
However, the Suns’ starts are a major concern and star utility Jack Martin revealed there were no punches pulled by the coaching staff this week in reviewing the QClash where Brisbane hammered home the first seven goals of the match.
“They jumped us early and we were shocked,’’ he said.
“The focus has to be on the start (against GWS), making sure we are switched on from the opening bounce. They are coming off a loss and will be fired up.’’
Martin was tipped by coach Rodney Eade to lift his game to another level this year after the biggest pre-season of his threeyear career, but was well down on his usual lofty standards during the season opener.