Suns boasting Top End talent to bring the heat against the Hawks

GOLD Coast Suns forward Izak Rankine believes his 12th-placed side will have an edge over Hawthorn this Saturday with two Territorians in the team.

Rankine, who made his debut with the Suns in 2020, said the squad had enjoyed a few sauna sessions in preparation for the 30-plus degree days up north, while Joel Jeffrey and Malcolm Rosas Jr had plied their community football trade in the Top End, for Wanderers and Darwin Buffaloes respectively.

The Suns also have the added experience of playing in Darwin against Carlton in August, 2020.

However, Rankine hoped the conditions were not as “ridiculously humid, hot and sweaty” as they were last time in that Round 13 match.

“It’s going to be who can adjust quicker I guess,” Rankine said ahead of Saturday night’s game at TIO Stadium.

“Hopefully, it’s not as bad as it was when I went there against Carlton.

“We wanted to get there early and adjust to the weather.”

He hoped the hotter conditions would suit the Suns’ love of contested ball while Territory products Jeffrey and Rosas Jr would benefit from having family and friends watching on.

“I know it’s going to be good for Joel and Mally,” he said.

“You always play that little bit extra better when you’re playing in front of family.”

He said Rosas Jr was still finding his feet at AFL level but had shown plenty of potential while Jeffrey’s five-goal game last round against the Western Bulldogs was potentially a breakout match.

“Hopefully Joel can back it up this week,” he said.

“I think he’s going to dominate in the years to come.”

Rankine said he was also looking forward to playing in front of a keen Territory crowd, which will include his mother, and brother Matt who played for Palmerston a few seasons ago.

“The highlight’s always the crowd, the people raving on the sidelines,” he said.