https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/young-suns-rising-for-2019/3659961/ EXCLUSIVE: Packed with youthful exuberance and an appetite to make an impression, the Gold Coast Suns are embracing their new chapter. With a wealth of young players launching their careers on the Glitter Strip, Suns duo Alex Sexton and Sean Lemmens have been thrust into leadership roles ahead of the season, and will have the chance to showcase their credentials against the Western Bulldogs this weekend in Mackay. As he approaches his 100th AFL game, 25-year-old Sexton has been a stable pillar for the side. While he said he hasn't thought much about his impending century - noting the milestone will warm his family even more - he said his experience was part and parcel of his development with the Sherrin. "There's always expectations to lead by example and play your role for the side. That comes the longer you're in the system,” Sexton said.
"I suppose naturally it's starting to come out, I'm a pretty open and out there personality so it is good to branch that through the group and progress into what's hopefully a leadership position.” Speed is set to be a trademark of the 2019 squad, with Sexton hoping the energy of young guns Izak Rankine and Jack Lukosius will blend with more experienced recruits such as George Horlin-Smith. However, he said their style of play wouldn't change dramatically, with a grinding pre-season set to enhance the fitness of the squad over the course of the season. "Not much really changes game plan wise, but every year you look back and reflect on the previous year - things that worked well and things that didn't,” he said. "There's a few things we need to work on, probably work rate wise is an area we wanted to focus on. The groups looking very fit and healthy, probably one of the healthiest lists we've had...fingers crossed we stay injury free.” Another chapter will be added to Mackay's proud indigenous sporting history when Lemmens takes to the field, and the defender said he was proud to perform in front of a passionate crowd. Having been around the group since his 2014 draft, he has leaned on his more experienced counterparts, and passed down this knowledge to the young squad currently assembled. "I really look up to the likes of Jarrod Harbrow, Michael Rischitelli - those type of leaders,” Lemmens said. "Especially the way 'Harbs' goes about his business, obviously being indigenous he's been a really strong mentor for me at the club. I've been trying to mentor and lead the younger players, especially the indigenous side. "It's very exciting to represent our strong culture, go out there and do what we do best.” The Suns will be itching to ride momentum into the AFL season, after their 33-point win against the Brisbane Lions last week. With the Bulldogs awaiting them at Harrup Park's Great Barrier Reef Arena, Lemmens said they would use the contest to adapt their training into game experience, and build what they've been focusing on in the off-season. "When you train for the game you try to control the controllable, and against the Bulldogs we'll be doing just that ,” he said. "We've adopted that approach of no excuses and taking ownership...(and) the young boys especially have been no exception.”
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorSelection of sport content. I was regularly called upon to assist with sport in the abscence of other staff. Archives
November 2019
Categories |