AFL premiers Sydney will be wary of Gold Coast’s improved running ability when the Suns make their SCG debut on Saturday.
The Swans started their title defence with a 30-point win over young crosstown rivals GWS at ANZ Stadium last week and they are keenly aware of the rising challenge from the Gary Ablett-inspired Suns as they prepare to face the other recently-established franchise.
Sydney beat Gold Coast by 70 and 72 point margins in their only previous encounters on the Gold Coast.
But the Suns showed distinct signs of improvement as they started their third season with a come-from-behind home win over St Kilda last week.
“Probably the thing that stood out firstly was their running ability,” said Sydney forward line coach Henry Playfair on Friday.
“They certainly cover the ground a lot better, with an extra pre-season into a lot of their young kids.
“They’ve structured up really well.
“They attacked really well last week and they put the Saints under real pressure after they were behind by about 20 points.”
Playfair said the premiers had been working to iron out kinks in their game and identified getting more incursions into their attacking zone as a priority after an unflattering return against the Giants.
“We lost inside 50s last week which was disappointing,” Playfair said.
“Obviously (we need to) try and take the ball off the opposition as soon as we can, take it back down our end.
“Our effort and intensity was improved from the NAB Cup. It dropped off a little bit after halftime, so we’d like to think we can do that for four quarters.
“I think that was highlighted by the fact that GWS got a run on and kicked five goals against us at one point in the second quarter.
“Our ball movement was a little bit suspect at times, so we’ve had a quick look at that during the week and tried to address a few of those issues.”
Despite being hammered by rain this week, the SCG is looking good, according to Playfair.
“We’re expecting a bit of rain tomorrow morning, so the fact the drainage is so good, hopefully, it won’t affect the ground too much.”
The Swans’ squad will all be involved in the unfurling of the 2012 premiership flag half an hour before the start of Saturday’s game.