Harbrow poised for bit of history
HONESTY and a laconic approach to the game could see Jarrod Harbrow continue to make history on the Gold Coast for a while yet.
The Cairns talent will become the first Suns player to reach 150 games when he runs out at Metricon Stadium to face Carlton tonight.
Harbrow played 70 games across four seasons with the Western Bulldogs before returning to his home state for Gold Coast’s inaugural season in 2011, becoming an understated but invaluable cog in defence.
The 30-year-old has missed just 22 games since then and was yesterday humbled to become the first player inducted as a Suns life member.
“For me it’s about, have I been able to make an impact on the footy club from the vol- unteers to the top?” Harbrow said. “That’s what I value highly. “Have I been able to build good relationships and make this a good place for people coming into it?”
Off-contract beyond this season, the ultra-consistent Harbrow is a 2018 Suns best and fairest contender and keen to play on as the club attempts to turn last weekend’s upset of the Sydney Swans into something more substantial.
“We’ve had a few good wins (in club history) and that’s up there but I’m not one to get too carried away with that stuff,” he said.
“I’d prefer to be in a better spot on the ladder … it’s important we get this next five weeks of the season right and finish off strong.”
Harbrow’s experience and reliability should be a valuable future commodity for the youthful Suns and perhaps that is why the keen fisherman isn’t too bothered by “ongoing” contract talk.
“When that time comes we’ll chat about it but it’s not distracting me, I’m happy with how things are going at the moment,” he said.
And the secret to his lon- gevity at a club perpetually riddled by injury?
“Trying not to take shortcuts or make excuses and be honest with the work you put in,” he said.
“Just the balance between on and off field, trying not to complicate things and be as positive as I can.”
The Suns will start in the unfamiliar position of favourites when they face the Blues, who have won just once this season.
Buoyed by the midweek retention of rising star Patrick Cripps, Carlton will welcome back Ciaran Byrne – for the first time since round two – as well as Dale Thomas, Darcy Lang, Jed Lamb and Sam Rowe.
Jack Bowes, David Swallow and Brayden Fiorini will all bolster a Suns side that found a way past the Swans at the SCG last Saturday.