The comparisons have been changed by compliments for Gold Coast’s Sam Flanders, who desires to not solely make AFL finals however win them.
The midfielder was the eleventh choose of the 2019 draft, the Suns’ third choice behind high-profile high two Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson.
That pair have dominated the dialog since however Flanders is ready for his second in 2023 alongside them, Touk Miller, David Swallow and fellow younger gun Alex Davies in an thrilling midfield.
Flanders was arguably finest on floor in Friday’s intra-club conflict, kicking three objectives and delivering a weight of unpolluted ball ahead to fit-again ahead Ben King.
The Victorian, used primarily as a half-forward in his first two AFL seasons, was dropped from the highest facet in 2022 however responded emphatically within the VFL to earn a recall for the ultimate third of the season.
Able to play VFL finals, he strung collectively 37, 46 and 43-disposal video games to ram house his class after which adopted a “no limits” perspective to health within the pre-season.
He broke six minutes within the membership’s 2km time trial for the primary time, pushed by criticism of recruiters 4 years in the past who “all ripped him for being a poor runner”.
“I wanted to come back the same way I finished last year and the pre-season,” the 21-year-old instructed AAP after his sturdy efficiency on Friday.
“I don’t have to prove it to the group – I believe they trust me – but to myself after I started to last year.”
Contracted till the top of this season, Flanders laughs now on the scenario that noticed him enjoying third wheel to Rowell and Anderson.
“Early days there were the comparisons, a little bit,” he mentioned of the battle and stress his stand-out draft class created.
“But now I love playing with both Noz and Rowelly; we work really well together and that’s what it’s all about now.
“When you are a younger child you wish to be the principle participant, however whenever you become older you realise what’s vital.”
King kicked two goals and had four shots at goal in the first half before he was rested on Friday, flying without fear in packs in a sure sign he’s ready to fire after a knee injury kept him out last season.
With the Suns growing in depth, fringe forward Joel Jeffrey was a standout with five goals and Brayden Fiorini was impressive as he split his time between both teams.
The Suns finished 12th last season with a 10-12 record, just two wins away from a maiden finals appearance.
“Finals is a giant dialog, not solely to make them however win them,” Flanders mentioned.
“Even although we’ve not bought there but that is the place the dialog has shifted to.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
