McLachlan tones down flak
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan says there would have been “outrage” from a Melbournebased club if they were forced to endure a demanding schedule like the Gold Coast.
The Suns have been slammed for their 108-point loss – their sixth defeat in a row – to fellow expansion club Greater Western Sydney on Saturday.
That followed a miserable comeback game at their Metricon Stadium base a week earlier when Geelong thumped them by 85 points.
But McLachlan points out the Suns’ demanding earlyseason schedule when they played away from home for 10 weeks due to the Commonwealth Games.
“This is the nature of our industry, it’s suddenly a crisis after they’ve had two terrible losses,” McLachlan told SEN Radio.
“I’d love to have a Melbourne club and the outrage (if) they hadn’t played at home.
“Gold Coast have only played in the state twice, one was at the Gabba and once was at Cairns. The rest have been on the road, including China.
“There needs to be a bit of context about that.”
Although criticism of the 15th-placed Suns is flying in, first-year coach Stuart Dew concedes it is warranted.