ACADEMY ADDITIONS

QThe Suns added another Cairns lad in Jacob Heron ( right) to their list a few weeks ago. What did you see in his 2017 season in the NEAFL that the club thought would translate into him playing AFL?

AJacob is really quick and the benefit of picking him up is that he has been in the academy system for the last few years within the Suns. In a physical sense, they have got a bit of a head start compared to the other lads we have picked up from Melbourne and elsewhere. We have got a very good academy system where they try and prepare these guys for AFL football. But, it is still a massive jump up to the AFL level but Jacob will come in with the mindset of knowing what it takes to be an AFL footballer. I saw a little of Jacob when he played in the NEAFL against the Sydney Swans and as a coach, I always tell guys to promote what they are good at. Jacob is great with his speed and we will promote that. The first year in the AFL is always a developing year. The guys that progress quickly are the ones that drive their own careers.

QAJack Bowes is coming into his second season at elite level. How do you see him fitting into your side? Jack is a very good player. He was unlucky with a couple of injuries last year. He is still building his body up to be able to handle week in and week out AFL football. For him to play as many games as he did during his first year, it was a significant feat regardless of the number he was taken in the draft. We need to be wary of “too much too soon” for the younger lads but if they are capable, we will put them out on the ground.