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McKenna and Suns under pressure heading into 2012

After their debut season in the AFL, the Suns now need to show some significant improvement or Guy McKenna could be out of a job.

Quick Glance at 2011

What went wrong:

The lack of physical presence was clearly evident in the young Gold Coast team. Although it was always to be expected, the Suns proved most weeks that they were not yet physically ready to play out four quarters against bigger men in the competition. Dealing with early thrashings and a 15 goal-quarter against Essendon highlighted the long journey ahead for Gold Coast.

There was a major disappointment with the highly sort after Josh Caddy. The Suns had big hopes for the Victorian until he stumbled upon a very rocky road to make his AFL debut.

Caddy, who was taken at number seven in the national draft, needed groin surgery two weeks into his first pre-season, then sustained a stress fracture in his foot during the NAB Cup.

The Suns had to do without the highly-rated 18-year-old for the majority of the season, until he finally got a run on the park in the second last game.

 

What went right: 

It’s very hard to judge what went right for a new team into the AFL system who finished in last place on the AFL ladder.  However, the most obvious indicator that they improved throughout 2011 was the growth in the playing group.

In the early part of the season, the Suns had to deal with regular thrashings by the more experienced teams of the competition. They were losing by 11 goals on average, which is a lot for a young playing group to process mentally. However, the improvement was evident toward the end of the season where the average losing margin to six goals – therefore making a 30-point improvement in half a season.

 

Key Player: 

David Swallow:

Although the 2010 number one draft pick went slightly under the radar in the 2011 season, get used to hearing his name more and more in the future.

The 19-year-old has flair, uses the ball creatively and is extremely fit.

He has great decision-making as well as a good understanding of the game, he is clearly a leader in the making for the Gold Coast Suns.

 

What to expect in 2012:

It goes without saying that it will be a very interesting year, especially for coach Guy McKenna. With the introduction of GWS into the system, Gold Coast will have serious weight taken off their shoulders leading into the 2012 season.

However, in saying that, they are into their second season with another full pre-season under their belts. Therefore, significant improvement must be seen. People will expect something exciting from them this year, as does the Gold Coast board, who told McKenna he will have to earn a contract extension by seasons end.

The coach must now be able to show that despite his team’s youth, that he has drilled improvement into his players. This year, 15 goal quarters and blowouts must be a thing of the past. Improved solidity and a recognisable defensive, competitive structure should be the trademark.

 

3 most important games:

It will be a very tough start for GC and look to be without a win after three games before the Queensland Derby against Brisbane at The Gabba. Mark this down as a win.

A win against North at Etihad Stadium would be a confidence booster for them – proving they can win interstate, and potentially winning two of their first five games would be a very reasonable start.

GWS in Round 7 is a must-win. It would be very embarrassing to go down to the “new guys” when you have so much to prove.

 

Ladder Prediction:

15-18

 

Sophie Shaw is a second year Bachelor of Sport Journalism degree at La Trobe University. You can follow her on twitter @sophiejaneshaw

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