Gold Coast Suns Embrace “Ugly Wins” as Lachie Weller Extends Contract
Gold Coast Suns veteran Lachie Weller has been a key figure in the team’s recent success, celebrating their ability to secure victories even when the game isn’t flowing smoothly. The 30-year-old forward has emphasized the importance of maintaining this gritty approach as the Suns continue to refine their squad and find the best combination for the remainder of the season.
In a crucial match against Essendon on Saturday, the Suns overcame a strong challenge from the Bombers to win by nine points at Carrara, ending a two-game losing streak and improving their record to 4-2. Essendon, who had recently ended a 17-game losing streak with a win over Melbourne, showed resilience by building a two-goal lead in the third term. However, the Suns managed to hold on, with Weller playing a pivotal role in securing the victory.
Weller’s second goal of the game came in the third term, where he executed a clever dummy move before snapping a shot from the left pocket, giving the Suns the decisive advantage. This performance highlighted his importance to the team, both as a player and a leader.
On Monday, Weller confirmed his commitment to the club by signing a three-year contract extension. The former Fremantle talent, who grew up on the Gold Coast and was part of the Suns’ academy, will now have the opportunity to play at least 12 seasons for the club. His contract could potentially see him surpass 200 AFL games, a significant milestone for any player.
Another key member of the Suns’ academy, Bodhi Uhland, also secured a four-year contract extension. At just 21 years old, Uhland has already played 55 AFL games and is seen as a promising young talent for the future of the club.
Despite facing injury challenges in previous seasons, where Weller played no more than 13 games in a year between 2021 and 2024, he has shown consistency this season. He played 19 games last year and has been a reliable presence on the wing or at halfback in all six matches so far this campaign.
After the game, Weller reflected on the nature of the victory. “I don’t get to have many shots at goal,” he said. “That snap was a pretty good feeling. It was a gritty win, not pretty but really positive to come out on top.”
He also noted that the team has evolved in recent years. “In previous years we might have rolled over and cracked under pressure. The Bombers were great, and AFL is hard. I’m still waiting to have an easy game.”
The Suns, currently sitting in fourth place, are set to face third-placed Hawthorn (5-1) in Tasmania on Saturday. Captain Noah Anderson is a “50-50” proposition for the match after missing the previous game due to surgery following the removal of his appendix.
Coach Damien Hardwick acknowledged the team’s performance, though he questioned the officials’ decision on a holding the ball ruling after the game. Despite this, he praised some standout performances in the VFL and hinted at potential changes for the upcoming clash against Hawthorn.
Weller, in his 12th season with the club, sees the current phase as part of the journey as the Suns aim to build on their maiden finals campaign last year. That campaign ended in a second-week loss to eventual premiers Brisbane.
“We’ve got a long season ahead; we’ll probably use 30-odd players, guys come in and out of form, and injuries will happen,” Weller said. “But we’ve got a lot of options now, and once we get Noah back, the midfield will be strong.”
