GOLD Coast coach Rhyce Shaw is intent on improvement, but says he’s embracing the infectious energy of his young team and their “cool” brand of footy along the way.
The Suns opened their 2026 account at the weekend with an upset 35-point win over West Coast, riding the wave of its Academy graduate draftees and rock-solid experienced personnel.
Rising Star nominee Alannah Welsh kicked five goals. Ava Usher kicked two from 12 disposals, while Sunny Lappin and Lily Quigley kicked a goal apiece.
With 10 new faces in this year’s outfit, Gold Coast was young, fun and exciting to watch.
“It was just cool to watch us play our footy with the intensity and connection and joy the girls played with. It starts to become infectious,” Shaw said on Wednesday.
“I’m a bit of a footy nuffie. I love footy and I love watching good footy and I think we’re playing a brand that is fun to watch and fun to play.
“It takes a lot of hard work that stuff, but the girls are doing that.
“If we can hold that together and stay connected and keep working hard, we can really push teams this year.”
The Suns got strong performances from their leaders, with co-captains Niamh McLaughlin and Lucy Single instrumental, along with Charlie Rowbottom and Adelaide recruit Anne Hatchard.
Hosting Geelong at People First Stadium on Sunday, Shaw said he had the utmost respect for the Cats.
“It was obviously a really good performance last week, but we want to make sure we keep getting better,” he said.
Elise Barwick could be available this week as she completes her recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, with Meara Girvan (hamstring) also closing in on a return.
