Suns fire warning shots
SUNS coach David Lake has fired an ominous warning shot to his AFLW rivals, claiming his side’s best is yet to come as they prepare to face North Melbourne this afternoon.
The Suns have shown signs of rapid improvement over the past three weeks, winning their first AFLW game against Richmond in Round 2 and drawing with Conference A leaders Brisbane the following week.
Though Lake admitted the Suns’ first half against the Lions left much to be desired, their barnstorming second half in which they overcame a 15-point deficit and outmuscled Brisbane around the ground provided a much more accurate picture of what to
IT’S the question on everyone’s lips.
Can the Suns’ AFLW side break a 10-year drought and be the club’s first to qualify for finals?
We’re only three games into the season, so this analysis may be a little premature ... but as the Suns (1-1-1 record) continue to improve each week, the excitement surrounding their potential builds.
Including their match against the Kangaroos today, the Suns have three games against their
expect of the expansion side.
“Our second half last week is who we really are and we need to start like that,” Lake said.
“We’ve got so many opportunities to learn and we don’t know what that looks like. “We could be anything. “As much as we’re playing North Melbourne, it’s about us and our journey and how
Conference A counterparts. Only three teams from each pool qualify for AFLW finals.
Last year, which featured one less game than 2020, an average of 4.75 wins secured you finals.
In Conference A, it will come down to four sides for three spots: Brisbane, Kangaroos, Adelaide and the Suns. Put simply, if the Suns win their remaining three Conference A games, you can just about lock in a finals spot. Wouldn’t that be nice.
much we can improve each training session we do with vision and every game.”
Averaging just over three goals a game in the opening three rounds, Lake was also confident the Suns are yet to unlock their scoring potential.
Forwards Ellie Hampson, Paige Parker and Leah Kaslar are all yet to hit the scoreboard this season.
“They’re all still bubbling there plus the ones who have already done it,” Lake said.
“I still think we’re only at the beginning of what we can be.”
Lake also said Rising Star nomination Kalinda Howarth had more to give after unleashing with three goals against the Lions last weekend.
“It’s just the beginning, she’s threatened to do that for so long,” he said.
“The feeling that she got when her teammates hugged her, that makes her want to do it all again.
“If she can do that every week, we’ll hug her every week.”
One of the subplots of today’s clash in Melbourne will be the opportunity for Jamie Stanton to claim bragging rights over her former side in the Kangaroos.
“She won’t be wanting to come second, which is why I love having her on my side,” Lake said.
“They’re (North) a very skilful side, they’re prepared to pull the trigger and play, so we need to prepare to not let them do that. They’re the yardstick I think.”