The Gold Coast SUNS VFL were able to overcome a shaky start at home and have now all but secured September action with an 18-point win over the Brisbane Lions.
In sunny and clear conditions on the Gold Coast, the battle between two of the top teams in this year’s VFL competition delivered.
It was the visitors that kicked the opening seven goals of the match however, 25 minutes into the first quarter, veteran Sam Day (three goals for the match) was able to put the top-of-the-ladder SUNS on the board.
The SUNS were then able to change the momentum their way kicking the next 11 goals and keeping the Lions goalless for quarters two and three.
The Lions made a late surge at the start of the last quarter with three quick goals, however the SUNS were able to steady and win an important game at the back end of the year.
The SUNS midfield found plenty of the footy. Brayden Fiorini (32 disposals, one goal, six tackles) led the way with Charlie Constable (34 disposals, 11 marks) and James Tsitas (28 disposals, one goal, nine marks) also doing their part to give the selection panel a headache.
Big man, Ned Moyle displayed his presence in the ruck and around the ground accumulating 32 hit-outs to go with seven disposals and five tackles.
Ben Long provided solid run and skill off half-back gathering 22 disposals and six marks.
The SUNS had nine individual goal kickers for the match.
Mabior Chol and Chris Burgess added two goals each on top of Day’s three whilst Brodie McLaughlin managed one.
This makes Burgess the stand-alone leader for VFL goal kicking honours, one goal clear of teammate McLaughlin.
Connor Budarick (12 disposals, four tackles) had some important moments just three games back after recovering from an ACL injury.
Top SUNS Academy prospect Jake Rogers played his second VFL game against the Lions andfinished with two disposals and two tackles.
GOLD COAST 3.3 6.8 11.9 13.14 (92)
BRISBANE 7.2 7.3 7.5 11.8 (74)
SUNS GOALS: Day 3, Chol 2, Burgess 2, Tsitas, Sexton, McLaughlin, Blakely, Fiorini, Berry
SUNS BEST: Tsitas, Long, Chol, Constable, Fiorini, Graham
