DON’T WASTE YOUR WORRY AS THE SUNS ALWAYS RISE
THERE is a lot being obliterated from society right now all over the world. Certainly, the word “normal” may cease to exist. I hope not, it’s challenging but like it or not we are all in this together for the foreseeable future. And here’s a fact – we will come out the other side.
So, I want to pen a positive column today, after all it’s the start of the footy season. That great indigenous game of AFL! But before I do, just one strong shout out.
Try to remember in these times of great uncertainty and difficulty the enormous jobs those on the front line undertake every single day. I’m talking about doctors, health workers, hospital workers, paramedics, police and a whole range of highly at-risk people looking after the greater good for all the community. They are the stars in all of this, and we should be bloody thankful we have so many prepared to do so much. Bless you!
And for those of you grabbing toilet paper like it’s the end of the world, guess what? If it is, an extra roll of toilet paper and a clean butt will be of little help! Our forefathers who got us through world wars and the great depression, among other massive disruptions, would be turning in their graves. You are dills and look bloody stupid. Have some decency and learn some common good. Now to more positive vibes. I am a massive supporter of the AFL’s decision to commence the football season this week. In these times of uncertainty it’s important to try to maintain, if we possibly can, some normality. People all over our country love their footy (and their sport generally) – so the more we can give them some footy pleasure the better for everyone’s mental wellbeing. I know first-hand the players want to get out there – after all they have trained together for many months and, just like a lot of people who have to keep going about their daily work, I see no good reason why footballers should be exempt. One could easily argue they are the most resilient group in this health crisis, being both young and extremely fit.
At the Gold Coast Suns we have taken extraordinary measures to protect the health and wellbeing of the entire group. We are blessed to have superb facilities that enable us to create separation and plenty of open space, along with all the necessary sanitisation etc.
Of course, our footy season at the Suns started many weeks back with our AFLW side making history being the first Gold Coast-based women’s team to compete in a national sports league regularly. And wow haven’t our women done a stunning first-up job? Right from the get-go they have been competitive and impressive in their commitment to the game.
It’s hard to believe it’s only five years since the AFL decided to add professional women’s teams to our great indigenous game. Enormous credit to Gillon McLachlan and the entire AFL commission for such foresight. It certainly has taken off and added so much to our junior programs right around the state and right around Australia.
I love stats – so here’s a few to prove my point.
Just in Queensland alone participation of AFL has grown from last year to 277,703 across girls and boys, men and women. Of that a staggering 116,725 are girls and women, making Queensland now only second to Victoria in this gender. This is phenomenal growth, up
54 per cent in five years. Community and school footy is on fire and in an emerging market (which Queensland certainly is for AFL) there is no doubt the impact of AFLW has played a significant part in bringing more families to our great sport.
This has been a stellar job by all the hardworking people in the AFL, AFLQ, the Brisbane Lions and of course our people at the Gold Coast Suns. The AFL have been prepared to put in significant funds, not just for the short term but for the long haul to ensure over time our sport grows and maintains its special position as Australia’s No.1 sport. I call it the Japanese view on investing in the future.
This year is clearly going to be a challenge for all sports on the financial front; some will be lucky to survive. But just being a part of the collegiate spirit right across our industry and all the clubs over the past three weeks has been inspirational to partake in. Nothing succeeds more than having everyone in the boat pulling on an oar as hard as they can – truthfully, its powerful to be around.
Our Gold Cast Suns AFLW team have a special date with destiny today when they participate in their first finals series over in Perth, against Fremantle, for our young club. Unfortunately because of the ban on crowds they will do so almost in isolation – but rest assured girls, the whole of the Gold Coast is with you today and no matter the odds playing the top side, we know you will give it your very best and do our city proud.
Our women’s team is made up of an amazing cross section of society. We have teachers and students, playing alongside insurance clerks and obstetricians, environmental scientists and physios. All types of backgrounds, all brought together in a common love of footy. Lots to like here. As chairman of the GC Suns, along with our dedicated and committed board, we are over the moon with their effort and success. It is showing a real pathway for every young girl not only on the Gold Coast but in all our academy zones as well. What a massive positive to look forward to in the future, no mater how bleak things seem right now.
And tonight, our men’s team makes their start in the AFL with our home game at Metricon to kick off the season against Port Adelaide. In my six seasons around the club I have never felt the buzz and excitement that I’m getting right now. It’s great to share and be a part of. My sense is that we are commencing a phase as a challenger club with great leadership both on and off the field. We are going to cause a few surprises this year as our young list grows in experience and confidence under an inspirational coach in Stuart Dew.
Regrettably they will, like all counterparts playing sport this weekend, do so behind closed doors. Don’t for a minute let that stop you from watching on 7Mate, Fox Footy or Kayo – its going to be a tremendous journey for the next few years. Hop on board now and join us on the ride and for a couple of hours put all the gloom and hysteria behind you. Enjoy – the sun will come up tomorrow and it WILL feel warm on your back!