SUNS LEARN LESSON AFTER GAZ MASTERCLASS
THE Gold Coast have learnt their lesson after being made to pay for poking the Geelong bear earlier this season.
Suns captain Steven May was the culprit ahead of the AFL sides’ first clash since the exit of Gary Ablett, cheekily claiming there were “more dangerous” opponents than the former skipper to worry about.
Ablett went on to record 37 disposals and kick three goals at the Cats ran riot in an 85-point hiding in his return to Metricon Stadium.
Suns coach Stuart Dew wasn’t about to make the same mistake ahead of their rematch on Saturday, playing a far straighter bat when asked how they would handle Ablett.
The rookie coach indicated niggling midfielder Touk Miller wouldn’t be assigned a tagging role on Ablett and listed Patrick Dangerfield, Tim Kelly and Joel and Scott Selwood as dangers all equally worthy of attention as the Cats chase a win to secure a finals berth.
“We’re certainly aware of where their danger lies, and we don’t want to get too hung up on one or two players,” Dew said.
“Geelong have to win … Port (equal on wins in ninth place) will put pressure on them, maybe, on Friday night (if they beat Essendon).
“This will be a big ask down there and they’re in form. We’re going down there to give our best.”
Dew confirmed Suns ball magnet Michael Barlow would finish a frustrating season – highlighted by a recent recovery from facial nerve damage stemming from jaw surgery – in the senior side after a successful return last week.