To celebrate the partnership of The Lottery Office and the GC SUNS this season, some of our team swapped the office for the oval, lacing up our runners for a money-can't-buy experience training alongside the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium. From the moment we stepped onto the field, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary workday.
We had the entire stadium to ourselves—an incredible backdrop for what was to come. With three GC SUNS players joining us, Lachie Weller, Sam Flanders and Oscar Adams, we got an inside look at what it really takes to prepare like an AFL professional.
Warm Up is Key!
The session kicked off with a proper warm-up, and let’s just say it quickly became obvious that “warming up” at AFL level is no stroll in the park. We stretched, sprinted, and moved in ways most of us hadn’t tried since school sports days. It set the tone for the day: this was the real deal.
Next came handball practice. It might look simple on TV but putting it into action was another story. Timing, accuracy, and teamwork were the name of the game—and plenty of laughs were had when some of our handballs went astray. The players gave us tips and shared insights into how they use this skill under pressure during matches, which gave us a whole new appreciation for the pace of AFL.
Then it was onto kicking drills. With the stadium wide open, we had the chance to test our aim, distance, and technique. Some of us surprised ourselves with a clean kick through the posts, while others learned just how much practice it takes to hit a target consistently. Having the Suns players demonstrate and coach us made the experience both challenging and inspiring.
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A Whole New Respect
The day wasn’t just about sport—it was about teamwork, resilience, and stepping outside of our comfort zones. Training with the GC Suns gave us the chance to see firsthand just how amazing they are and its no surprise they have made the finals this year!
Walking off the field at the end of the session, sore legs and all, there was a real sense of achievement. We might not be ready for an AFL debut anytime soon, but we came away motivated, connected, and with a deeper respect for the athletes who do this every week.
A huge thank you to the Gold Coast Suns for welcoming us into your world for the day—it’s an experience our team won’t forget anytime soon.
