Weller punt pays
THE Suns paid a high price to bring Lachie Weller home to the Gold Coast but coach Stuart Dew says the former Fremantle player is delivering everything the club wanted him to.
Gold Coast’s decision to trade pick 2 for Weller during last year’s trade period was heavily scrutinised as the Suns gave up their top 2017 draft pick for the ex-Docker.
Dew, who labelled Weller a future 10-year player for the Suns following the trade, said the Gold Coast product was already showing exactly why they wanted him.
“There is a little bit of noise about him on the outside but internally he is delivering everything we thought he would,” Dew said after Weller recorded 25 disposals in Gold Coast’s 37-point loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
“He is a professional and he shows the way. He prepares like a 150-game player.
“He is really smart, he is team-first and club-first and I think that is really important for our environment.
“Now we are starting to see his on-field stuff as well because it does take a little while when you come from a different system.
“Although he comes from our academy it is poles apart from what we are doing now. We are really happy with the way Lachie is going.
“His last couple of games have been really important for us and his run and carry and his metres gained gives us great bounce off half-back. We know we can throw him in the midfield as well.”
Dew praised the efforts of his youngest players during a tough period for the club as it attempts to fast-track the development of prospects including Charlie Ballard, Brayden Crossley and Wil Powell.
“We are really proud of our young players,” Dew said.
Meanwhile, the Suns have been forced to delay Tom Lynch’s knee surgery until abrasions on the area of the injury are healed.
Lynch is scheduled to go under the knife next week and the club remains hopeful the cuts will heal in time.
Gold Coast have been cautious about operating too soon on the star forward because of the risk of infection.