CONFIDENCE KEY TO SUNS’ HOPES
LYONS HAS FAITH IN PUSH FOR FINALS
JARRYD Lyons says Gold Coast’s football is growing and the team’s confidence is following suit as the Suns go into the second half of the season with their finals hopes intact.
The challenge was set and written in black and white going into Saturday’s 13.17 (95) to 12.7 (79) win over Hawthorn at the MCG in a second straight victory that has put them within one win of fifth-placed Port Adelaide after 11 games.
“We had a discussion during the week where we put up on the board how we haven’t won games in a row much before, especially this year,” Lyons said.
“We had a couple of wins and then we would lose a couple so it’s nice to get a couple in a row, build that confidence and look to the second half of the year.”
Just like in their win over West Coast a week earlier, the Suns were tested late.
The Hawks had kicked six straight goals from the end of the third term and into the fourth but the Suns arrested the momentum and held on to take their record to 5-6.
“As a team we are growing because we managed to hold them off and stopped their run in the last quarter,” Lyons said.
“It’s massive for the group. I wasn’t there last year but I think as a group you can feel confidence building after those wins.
“As a team we were a little disappointed we let them back in the game.
“We could have easily put them away in that third quarter but that’s footy and being able to stop a really good team in Hawthorn was great.
“It was a really high pressure game at their home ground and we take a lot out of that win.”
Former captain Gary Ablett put in another inspired performance that included 37 disposals, two goals, eight clearances and 10 tackles.
“He is pretty special to watch,” Lyons said.
“I find myself just sitting back and almost enjoying the show a little bit of the time.
“It looks like he has it on a string.
“He is terrific for the club, is a really nice guy and brings that experience to the club that we probably need for the young fellas here.”
The small gap between fifth and the 13th-placed Suns means they are still in the hunt for finals.
Upcoming games against Carlton, St Kilda and North Melbourne, who are all either on equal points or less than the Suns, presents a good chance for them to stake their claim for the top eight.