The Gold Coast SUNS have defeated the Footscray Bulldogs at Victoria University Whitten Oval this afternoon.
The seesawing contest saw a classy SUNS outfit withstand a strong start by the Bulldogs to run out 25-point winners, in a tight affair.
The first quarter started slowly with the SUNS missing early chances in front of goal, to trail by 11 points at quarter time.
Ned Moyle kicked Gold Coast’s only goal in the first term, which added to his nine hitouts as he displayed his trademark ruck dominance.
Hewago Paul Oea was lively as ever, with two electric chase-down tackles to set the tone for the SUNS pressure around the contest.
The SUNS took the lead quickly in the second quarter, kicking the first three goals of the term, going on to led by nine points at the main break.
The momentum shift was on the back of Elijah Hollands' two goals, along with Charlie Constable and James Tsitas, who won plenty of the ball, to finish the half with 19 and 18 disposals respectively.
Jeremy Sharp led all-comers with 20 disposals and did not miss a beat in his first match back from a hip injury.
The third term was highlighted by strong work around the contest and continuous tackling pressure from both sides, in a bruising quarter of footy.
Sam Day kicked his second goal of the game and was helped by Moyle’s continued supremacy in the ruck battle.
Alex Davies showed his class and was strong around the contest, having six clearances and nine tackles by three quarter time.
Footscray kicked four last quarter goals and continued to push the SUNS throughout the final term.
Gold Coast were able to withstand the pressure thanks to some stoic defence from Caleb Graham, who led the backline well all afternoon.
Day and Oea kicked two goals each in the final term to put the game out of the Bulldogs reach, finishing with four and two goals respectively for the match.
Sharp finished the game with 32 disposals and a goal to be one of the SUNS best of the day.
Constable was the leading ball-winner on the ground with 34 touches, along with Jack Bowes and Hollands who had 28 and 25 disposals, in impressive outings as they continue to push for AFL selection.
Gold Coast SUNS 1.3 5.5 8.10 14.13 (97)
Footscray Bulldogs 3.2 4.3 7.6 11.6 (72)
BEST: Jeremy Sharp, Charlie Constable, Elijah Hollands, Hewago Paul Oea, Sam Day
GOALS: Day 4, Burgess 2, Hollands 2, Macpherson 2, Oea 2, Moyle, Sharp
