Suns coach Damien Hardwick.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Suns coach Damien Hardwick took a phrase from Touk Miller’s dad and used it to inspire his side to their gutsy win over Hawthorn tonight.
Miller starred in his 200th game and going into the last quarter, Hardwick borrowed a phrase Miller’s dad had used during the week to urge his side to fight through the oppressive conditions.
“All gas, no breaks,” Hardwick recounted post game.
“It’s funny how the emotional connection, how much it can be significantly important in our time of need.
“I thought our last quarter was pretty good. We gave away some ordinary goals and then Marbs [Mabior Chol] kicked that goal and I thought “crikey that was a good one”.
“It was a great game of footy. Hopefully, the people at home got to enjoy one of the great games of the year.”
Touk Miller of the Suns is carried off after his 200th game.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Hardwick said his side had shown their wins over Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn in Darwin showed they have grown as a team.
“We are excited to play against contenders and be on the winning end, it’s a sign of the growth we’ve been through as a footy club,” Hardwick said.
“We were disappointing in these kind of matches last year, we didn’t handle those moments in the way we would have liked but I think the growth is there for everyone to see.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the presentation from our 22 players for Touk Miller who is so important to our footy club. To get up and drag themselves over the line for that special individual was quiet a significant milestone for this club.”
Hardwick started his press conference but sending his and the club’s condolences to the family of Robert Walls following his death.
