A club-worst losing streak is testing Gold Coast co-captain Jarrod Witts but the ruckman says he still trusts and respects the club as he prepares for his 100th AFL game.
The Suns have lost 15 straight since moving to 3-1 at the start of the season, with heavy defeats to Adelaide, Richmond and Collingwood in recent weeks providing plenty of fodder for critics of the expansion club.
Former Magpie Witts has enjoyed a second coming on the Gold Coast though and sees enough improvement behind the scenes to speak with genuine positivity about the club’s future.
“That’s the challenge of leadership … you get challenged a lot when you’re losing,” he said of the side’s efforts to stay motivated.
“But I’ve got a lot of respect for this footy club … I’m trying to show up every week and repay the faith.
“I’ve got full trust … we’re moving together in the same direction even though it hasn’t come out in games, but I’ve got full belief.”
The Suns play Brisbane in a Gabba QClash on Saturday and Witts hopes an improved performance in the ruck against Stef Martin can upset the in-form Lions after Witts’ former teammate Brodie Grundy won bragging rights last weekend.
“He’s another quality ruck who I think Brodie sort of modelled his game on early days,” Witts said.
Brisbane are equal first on points but third on percentage and Witts won’t be doing his Queensland neighbours any favours.
“We want to win this one pretty bad,” he said.
“To Brisbane’s credit they’re going well, but rivalries are rivalries.”