Despite opening their AFL campaign with two commanding victories, the Gold Coast Suns are refusing to settle for mere adequacy as they pursue true greatness under coach Damien Hardwick.
The team has electrified the early season with resounding home triumphs, dismantling Geelong by 56 points before delivering a 59-point demolition of West Coast. However, these substantial margins have failed to satisfy the coaching staff’s demanding standards.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s MCG encounter against Richmond, where the Suns aim to address concerning elements from their recent performance. While establishing a formidable 62-point halftime advantage against West Coast, the team experienced a noticeable second-half dip that drew internal criticism.
Wingman Sam Clohesy articulated the team’s philosophy, emphasizing their obligation to uphold certain standards when wearing the club jersey. “We probably did let it off a little bit against the Eagles,” Clohesy acknowledged. “It’s about maintaining intensity and making other teams genuinely concerned about facing us.”
The playing group embraces Hardwick’s mantra that “being good stops you from being great”—a principle driving their pursuit of continuous improvement despite double-digit victory margins. Clohesy identified the second-half performance against West Coast as particularly needing refinement, noting opponents elevated their intensity while the Suns failed to match this escalation adequately.
Internal competition provides additional motivation, with no player afforded complacency due to emerging talent and returning stars. The imminent return of Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell and defender Charlie Ballard, combined with exceptional performers in reserve grades, creates selection pressure that elevates training standards and on-field performance.
This environment fosters collective elevation, with players understanding their positions remain constantly under threat. The club’s depth and competition have generated palpable excitement about their long-term prospects, with players convinced they possess the foundation for sustained success in coming seasons.