Suns flip the script in first win

THE Bellarine Football Netball League’s newest side has its first senior win, with the Surf Coast Suns breaking through in just their second outing.

The Suns overran Portarlington at Portarlington Recreation Reserve on Saturday, turning a 17-point deficit into a 34-point turnaround, 15.12 (102) to 13.7 (85).

Recruits Luke Cartelli and Tommy Stephen led the charge with four goals apiece, sparking a forward line that found its rhythm after half-time.

Around the ball, brothers Dylan and Tyler Flanigan were influential, particularly at centre bounces as the Suns began to gain control.

The response followed a tough introduction to senior football, with a 148-point loss to Torquay in round 1.

Captain Dylan Flanigan said the focus against Portarlington was on resetting and trusting the work already done.

“It’s a big turn of events, that’s for sure. Round 1 wasn’t ideal and we reset and it was surreal to get up and about and have a win,” he said.

“[Coach] Trent’s messaging during the week was belief in what we are doing and sticking to what we did in pre-season.

“We knew we couldn’t throw the toys out of the cot from the Torquay game and just had to play footy and do our thing.”

The inclusion of former AFL player Aaron Black and ruckman Tim Lee added experience, while juniors Tim Sadler and Koby Nielson brought energy.

The Suns piled on eight goals in the last quarter, utilising the breeze to the best of their ability.

“The way we played the first time we had the breeze was really strong,” Flanigan said. “We put scoreboard pressure on and we had to make sure we tried to minimise our mistakes.

“They were coming back in that last quarter a bit, but we stuck to what we were doing and rode the momentum home.”

The win was celebrated back at Banyul Warri Fields, where players, netballers and supporters gathered. “The feeling in the change rooms and then clubrooms was amazing after the game. We certainly earmarked the occasion,” Flanigan said.

“Win or lose, there was always something on at the club to build the camaraderie between football and netball.”

The Suns have the bye this weekend before facing Queenscliff on 26 April.

“After a win, we are confident and we will back in our group,” Flanigan said.

“Queenscliff will be a big test, and I’m confident that we can use that extra spring in our steps.”