Suns set for a home run

GOLD Coast spent 10 weeks refusing to mention home but now it is all they can talk about.

The AFL scheduled the Suns’ return to Metricon Stadium tonight against Geelong to cash in on the Gary Ablett ( pictured) factor in a bid to pump up interest.

However, save a cheeky sledge from co- captain Steven May earlier in the week, the former skipper has barely been mentioned by the players.

After refusing to acknowl- edge the horror travel schedule that saw the club bounce between Cairns, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Ballarat and China – the players are thrilled to be back on their own deck for the first time this year.

Jack Martin was a late withdrawal from the side that lost to Port Adelaide in Shanghai after picking up a stomach bug on the eve of the match that stripped a few kilograms from his already lean frame.

He is happy to admit the bye came at the right time for him personally and can’t contain his excitement at playing in front of the home fans for the first time this year.

“There has been no excuses from the players or no one whingeing or moaning. We’ve been able to turn up every game and try to play our best footy,’’ he said.

“But it’s certainly exciting to be back. We are looking forward to getting out there and also to play in front of our fans. They haven’t seen a game in 10 weeks, I think that’s the most exciting thing.’’

While Martin had no interest in following his captain in with a sledge to Ablett, he did say the Cats were his favourite opponent.

Of the clubs that have dominated the modern era, the Suns have played their best footy against the Cats.

“There is always that one team that you really look forward to coming up against. We respect them really highly – they are a great football club,’’ he said.

“But we will give ourselves every opportunity here at home.

“I do look forward to playing the Cats. They are a good footy club and a proud footy club and you really want to come up against the hardest opponent.

“I think they are pretty tough. I love to get out there and test myself against them.’’

Martin has finished third in the past two club champion voting but said he wasn’t en- tirely happy with the past two seasons and felt he had taken his game to another level.

“I think so, with my understanding and reading of the game,’’ he said.

“And the other part of it is my body, I’ve been able to train every week this year and been able to back up.

“I’m not being managed as much, and that plays a big part.

“I was pretty light back then and looked pretty scrawny. I don’t look much different now but I definitely do feel stronger out there.’’