How the 'grueling sport' of surf lifesaving helped shape Suns AFLW players
Ava Usher and Havana Harris are just two of nine players in the Gold Coast Suns AFLW team with surf lifesaving backgrounds. It is common on the coast, but players say it's definitely helped them excel on the field.
Nine Gold Coast Suns players have backgrounds in surf lifesaving, which they believe helps them prepare for the unpredictable nature of the sport and life. Ava Usher, a 19-year-old player, credits surf lifesaving for her ease in integrating into the AFLW, stating it teaches discipline and preparedness for unknown outcomes. Many Suns players, including Usher, Havana Harris, Nyalli Milne, Lucy Single, and Bronte Parker, have SLS backgrounds.
The sport features various events, like beach flags, that require quick thinking and physical stamina, qualities that transfer well to football. Usher and Single both note the mental and physical benefits of SLS, describing it as a "reset" and a way to feel good. With a high percentage of local talent drafted from the Suns' academy, the team has improved significantly, moving from last place last year to fifth position this season.
The strong connection to surf lifesaving among the players is seen as a contributing factor to their success.
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