Sheedy Stuck on Struggle Street

5/4/2011

THE Gold Coast Sun’s finally announced themselves as the 17^th AFL franchise with a forgettable performance against Carlton on Saturday night. The Sun’s went down by a whopping 119 points at the Gabba but showed rays of hope amongst the rubble left behind by the Blues. Young guns Brendan Matera and Charlie Dixon were prominent up forward, but limited opportunities enabled them to stamp their authority on the game. Whilst Matera and Dixon shone brightest for the Suns, it was clear they have a flock of talented players who will one day dominate the competition. Whilst game one was a sight for sore eyes the future is very sunny for the Gold Coast.

The same can’t be said for the soon-to-be 18^th AFL franchise, Greater Western Sydney who will come into the system next year. The GWS Giants, as they will be known, will struggle to recruit experienced players, something the Suns had success with. Early last year the Suns said they would target eight to ten players from other clubs. By the end of 2010, the Suns had successfully lured: Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett jnr., premiership star Campbell Brown, All-Australian defender Nathan Bock, Brisbane Lions Best and Fairest winner Michael Rischitelli, top three draft picks in Josh Fraser and Jarred Brennan, as well as rebounding defenders Nathan Krakouer and Jarrod Harbrow. These eight players along with Daniel Harris, Sam Iles and Danny Stanley, who all have AFL experience, were to form the nucleus of the inaugural Gold Coast Suns team. This time next year, GWS will have initiated their franchise but what if any experience will they hold?

GWS have identified the Collingwood pair of Dale Thomas and Scott Pendlebury as likely targets. However, Pendlebury has been identified within the club as the next Magpies captain, so it is expected he will stay loyal towards the pies, potentially leaving Dale Thomas as the face of the Giants, if he chooses to move. Thomas is a fantastic player as he showed in both grand finals last year with outstanding performances across both games, but he is no Gary Ablett.

The Suns were able to recruit over 843 games of experience before stepping foot on the Gabba. In Thomas GWS will have 111 games of experience plus two other likely recruits in Tom Scully and Rhys Palmer, both yet to play 50 games for their respective clubs.

Experience is just so vital in developing the talented youth at GWS and the Suns. These experienced players are the teachers for the talented youngsters. They will show them how to train and prepare for games properly and how to manage injuries, things you can’t be taught verbally but physically through experience and practice. Not only will the Giants struggle initially but for two or three years to come because they lack this experience. We can expect much the same of what we saw Saturday night for the Giants, but for much longer.