IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE
Solomon says Suns must unite
DEAN Solomon’s first thought when the news broke of Rodney Eade’s sacking was for the Gold Coast Suns players.
It is typical of the selflessness that anyone who knows the 37-year-old defines as his main character trait.
It is why Suns CEO Mark Evans had no hesitation appointing him caretaker coach with utmost confidence he would not use the opportunity to campaign to make the job permanently his.
“This is about the players and doing what is best for them for the next 17 days, not about me,’’ Solomon said yesterday. “Unity is absolutely critical. “It is about working hard for each other and that means players for each other, coaches for players and players and coaches for staff.
“It is about everyone committing to those standards which will help provide our players with the platform that will allow them to perform.’’
Defender Jesse Joyce said Solomon had built warm relationships with everyone at the club.
“He relates to everyone – players, staff – I can’t wait to play for him,’’ he said.
“There isn’t an unknown factor there. He is telling us he is just the face of the coaching staff now and nothing will change.’’
Solomon was loath to talk about anything that may be construed as self-promotion
but admitted it was comforting to receive feedback that the players appreciated his investment in them.
“That is a core philosophy of my coaching,’’ he said.
“I genuinely care about the people I connect with – whether that is a player, another coach or someone in footy administration. It is part of my personality.
“When it comes to players it is important you get to know the person first.
“It is investing in them as people and that gives you a genuine base to work from and it allows you to coach really honestly.
“If a player receives some feedback that is strong, they at least know it is coming from a position of genuine care.
“That was the same way I
conducted my playing career, it was instilled in me by my grandfather and my parents.’’
Solomon’s first task was to steer the playing group through the immediate aftermath of Eade’s sacking.
“We feel for Rodney and (his wife) Wendy and the family and our thoughts are with them,” he said.
“As individuals we are close to them and some of these players have never been through something like this before.
“We have all made contact with Rocket (Eade) and given him our best and we’ll catch up with him properly when we get the first chance.
“The unfortunate part of AFL footy is we quickly had to shift our focus to this weekend’s game against Brisbane, who are really doing a great job with their brand on and off the field.’’