An undermanned Gold Coast SUNS outfit battled bravely against premiership fancies Sydney, going down by 52 points at Metricon Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Swans set-up their victory with a strong first-half display but were made to work hard in the later stages for a scrappy 13.15 (93) to 5.11 (41) victory.
Lance Franklin kicked three goals including a sublime effort from a tight angle in the opening term, while forward partner Kurt Tippett booted three majors from only four kicks before being substituted during the final quarter.
With the visitors leading by 44 points at half-time, the SUNS outworked their more fancied opposition in patches in the second half, with back-to-back goals to debutant Peter Wright and Jarrod Harbrow giving Gold Coast the advantage across a hard-fought third quarter.
Tasmanian pair Kade Kolodjashnij (27 disposals, eight marks, seven rebound 50s, one goal) and Jesse Lonergan (23 disposals, six marks, five tackles) were the leading ball-winners for the SUNS.
The injury curse that has descended on Metricon Stadium in 2015 continues, with key defender Steven May substituted in the third quarter with a groin complaint.
GC SUNS 2.2 2.6 4.8 5.11 (41)
SYDNEY SWANS 5.5 9.8 10.11 13.15 (93)
GOALS
GC SUNS: Wright, Rischitelli, Lynch, Harbrow, Kolodjashnij
Sydney Swans: Tippett 3, Franklin 3, Cunningham 2, Reid, Goodes, Jack, Parker, Mitchell
BEST
GC SUNS: Nicholls, Kolodjashnij, Hallahan, Miller, Lynch, Stanley
Sydney Swans: Hannebery, McVeigh, Franklin, Mitchell, Parker, Jetta
INJURIES
GC SUNS: May (groin)
Sydney Swans: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
GC SUNS: Clay Cameron replaced Steven May in the third quarter
Sydney Swans: Daniel Robinson replaced Kurt Tippett in the fourth quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stephens, Ryan, McInerney
Official crowd: 13,068 at Metricon Stadium
