The Gold Coasters steam rolling their NEAFL opponents Morningside by 77-points at Jack Esplen Park.
Joel Wilkinson was determined to get his hands on the contested football in his return to competitive football, collecting a number of early touches for the GCSUNS in his return match after three weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Also returning from injury Maverick Weller provided the biggest highlight of the quarter, bursting from the centre clearance before kicking a booming drop punt from the beyond the 50m arch to find the goals.
The more experienced GCSUNS backline of Jeremy Taylor, Clay Cameron, and Daniel Gorringe were strong throughout the first quarter, the visitors only conceding one major in the dying minutes of the term.
Lachlan Weller, the younger brother of Maverick’s provided good touch during the the second quarter, earning a goal for his efforts after a selfless Jacob Gillbee kicked the ball at the top of the goal-square for the exciting youngster.
Wilkinson continued where he left off after the first break, providing a great highlight for the visitors as he delivered a solid tackle on an unsuspecting Morningside opponent.
Liam Patrick had a number of chances throughout the second quarter, and looked set to score his first major after bursting from the contested stoppage before choosing to set up a wide open Timmy Sumner in the goal-square. Sumner who finding the middle of the sticks and registering his third goal for the contest.
Shaun Harts charges again went on the attack at the start of the third term with SUNS an inform with Wilkinson delivering a high bomb inside-50 straight into the arms of a charging Josh Hall who converted the easy shot at goal to secure his first major of the afternoon.
But despite Morningside’s constant efforts to relieve the scoreboard pressure, the GC SUNS had done enough to secure the premiership points by a whopping 77 point margin.
NEAFL coach Shaun Hart told goldcoastfc.com.au he was pleased with his charges effort after they refused to pump the brakes against their rivals north of the M1 motorway.
“It was a four quarter effort which was outstanding,” said Hart.
“Many of our players played at a level that their capable of, and I thought they performed as well as I’ve seen from a Reserves team in the competition.”
Goal-sneak Timmy Sumner was dangerous around goals for the entire contest, finishing with five goals in a superb individual performance for the seconds with the former SANFL star likely to be in the mix for a maiden senior selection spot next week.
“He was okay, he kicked 5 but he was one of many great players for us today.”
