The Gold Coast SUNS reserves started their round 16 NEAFL clash brightly against ladder leaders Sydney, opening an early second quarter lead before being completely outclassed with the Swans running out 124-point winners.
The Swans booted five unanswered goals to finish the second term well on top, before essentially ending the game with an eight-goal to two third quarter, opening up a 61-point lead at the final change. Sydney were ruthless in the final quarter, booting another eleven goals to register a comprehensive 26.14 (170) to 7.4 (46) win.
Jaeger O’Meara started the game in fine form, collecting 18 first-half disposals and a goal, looking assured as he took on more midfield responsibility after playing two games off a wing. The West Australian sat out the second half of the game, with the SUNS taking a conservative approach after the midfielder reported tightness at the half time break.
“Jaeger was just a little tight leading into half time,” NEAFL coach Stephen Daniel said.
“As we have done throughout, we took the conservative approach and he sat out the second half.
“There is no cause for concern, we will continue to increase his game time and conditioning as his comeback from considerable time on the sidelines continues.”
Academy products Brad Scheer (27 disposals) and Jack Bowes (24 disposals) had plenty of the footy for the visitors.
SYDNEY 2.3 7.8 15.11 26.14 (170)
GOLD COAST 2.0 4.2 6.4 7.4 (46)
GOALS
SYDNEY: X. Richards 8, T. Nankervis 3, T. Leonardis 3, J. Rose 3, J. Dawson 2, I. Heeney 2, J. Brown, B. Davis, W. Gowers, L. Robertson, T. Derickx
GOLD COAST: Z. Saad, B. Scheer, B. Crossley, J. O'Meara, J. Bowes, N. Kempe, C. Cameron
BEST
SYDNEY: X. Richards, T. Nankervis, B. Jack, N. Newman, R. Hebron, D. Baron-Hay
GOLD COAST: K. Brooksby, J. Bowes, J. O'Meara, B. Scheer, S. Lemmens