Admittedly rusty, but just happy to be back out there, Suns hard man Karmichael Hunt is itching to return to the scene of one of his greatest sporting moments next weekend.
It was at Cazalys almost a year ago that the former NRL star kicked a goal after the siren to beat Richmond and confirm himself as a legitimate AFL product. The cool-headed 26-year-old said he had consigned those heroics to the history books, but acknowledged how eager he and his Suns - who have not lost to the Tigers in two Cairns trips - are to get back.
"I moved on from that kick a while ago, but yes it was a pretty special moment,' he recalled.
"I'm glad I kicked that goal and we do love playing in Cairns. "When I get up there I feel really relaxed and it's just a laid-back atmosphere that I think we enjoy."
With Cairns not locked in for an AFL premiership fixture beyond this season, Hunt was happy to endorse the venue and even suggested that his Suns would fill the vacancy.
"We've got good form up there, there's huge merit," he said. "You can just see from our experience and the response from the community."
The Suns play Brisbane this weekend before heading to Cairns and are aware they need to lift their form to imporve on their five wins already this season.
Hunt, who was sidelined with hamstring tendonitis, only returned to the seniors last weekend and was subbed off after a quiet re-introduction.
"I couldn't really find the ball, but it was good to get out there," he said. "We need to lift our standards though; they've fallen in recent weeks."
Then there's Richmond, who are entrenched in the top eight and much-improved on last season.
"They are playing some good football and obviously in terms of the last two seasons would be keen to get a win up here," Hunt said."
"The loss last year for them in Cairns......hurt their finals chances."
The Tigers host the Suns at Cazalys next Saturday. For tickets, visit the Cazalys Social Club on Mulgrave Road, ticketdirect.com.au or phone 1300 798 550.
Last Modified on 09/08/2013 13:49