DEW: SUNS ‘NOT FAR AWAY’
DESPITE his team’s six successive QClash losses, Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew believes the Suns are “not far away” from the Brisbane Lions.
The Suns host the Lions on Sunday at Metricon Stadium, with Dew saying the Suns were “up for the challenge” of beating Brisbane.
A Gold Coast win over the Lions seemed likely last year at the Gabba when the Suns led Brisbane by 27 points.
But the Lions stormed home, outscoring the Suns 13 goals to one in the second half to win by 49 points.
“We’ve been in chasingthem-down mode ... we like to think that we’re not far away,” Dew said.
“Last year we were going really well at half-time (but) couldn’t sustain it, so there’s our challenge. It’s another opportunity to test ourselves – they’ve turned into a real top-four powerhouse. It’s great for Queensland footy.
“Our guys are up for the challenge and it’s always a good game, (with) plenty of spirit (and physicality ... bring on Sunday.”
Dew said tensions could boil over.
“There’s always a line ... and sometimes guys tip over it but you’ve got to give yourself every chance to get to the level that’s required and they can’t always get it right. It’s an invasion game (with) 36 players ... that’s the way it goes.
“If something happens, it happens but clearly both teams try to play as hard as they can within the rules.”
A decision whether forwards Mabior Chol (groin) and Jack Lukosius (knee) would play at the weekend was set to be made after Thursday’s training session.
“The main session is where we start to lift the bar and we’ll set the bar really high on both,” a cautious Dew said.
“(We’ll) take no risks. AFL’s too hard now.”