Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has said that his team will need to improve to become a 'great side' after their 53-point loss to Brisbane in the semi-final.
Brisbane kicked six goals in the second quarter and kept the Suns goalless in the second half as they won the game (14.16) 100 to (6.11) 47 at the Gabba on Saturday night.
Hardwick downplayed any rumours that Sun Sam Flanders would be traded, explaining he doesn't like trading great players.
“Great players do get interest, that's why they're great. Sam’s had a tough year. He was on fire at the start of the year, he’s got a back that look, if I’m being completely honest, he probably shouldn't have played half the games he's played, but he’s a tough kid and I love him," Hardwick said.
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“So as far as I’m connected, Sam’s one of our best players and I don’t love trading our best players.”
The Suns coach wouldn't confirm or deny their interest in Carlton forward Charlie Curnow, but explained he was happy with the forwards he currently has.
“What we do know is, we’re very happy with our key (forwards) in Ethan (Read) and Kingy (Ben King) and Jed (Walter), we think is going to be a wonderful player for us," he said.
“But what we do know is we are looking to improve our list, but we’ll address that over the coming months.”
Hardwick praised the Lions' performance but explained the Suns would need to improve to become a better side.
“We’re probably a good side. We’re not a great side at the moment, and that’s our job as an organisation to make sure we make that jump.
“Our players stood up, played a great brand of footy, got ourselves an opportunity to play in finals to win our first final, but we’re hungry for more, and that will take the players into summer, and hopefully hold us in good stead next year.”