Gold Coast SUNS proved they’ve earned their top six position after an impressive 82-point victory over a deflated Canberra Demons team at UNSW Canberra Oval on Sunday.
Aside from the first 10 minutes, the SUNS were able to control the game and play their style of footy, enabling them to notch a strong 19.8 (122) to Demon’s 5.10 (40) win.
With only 13 AFL-listed players for the SUNS this round, it was an even team performance that got the job done, with Gold Coast dominant around congestion racking up 400 disposals to Demons’ 292.
Canberra were competitive early when they opened with Josh Bennett scoring the first goal of the game, but this style of execution barely lasted the quarter before they let the SUNS bulldoze over the top of them.
With ten different goal scorers, Keegan Brooksby top-scoring with five goals himself, the SUNS were able to dominate the scoreboard, highlighting their convincing team performance.
The Demons struggled to get front position when attacking the footy at times which Gold Coast were able to take advantage of, especially in the second quarter where they scored a notable seven goals to one to break the match open.
A slow third quarter effort from both teams emphasised Canberra’s lack of composure especially in front of goals, scoring a disappointing five behinds.
SUNS coach, Steve Daniel, was more than happy with today’s win, particularly with how their academy players handled the game.
“For us we felt it was a game we had to win,” he said.
“We’re really big on development, so part of our development, we believe, is winning.
“Its really tough going from one week having 20 AFL-listed players, and the next we’re down to 13.
“It’s the nature of the beast and we have to deal with it. Today we had nine academy boys come up and play and we were really happy with a number of them.”
Mitch Hallahn starred through the midfield with 42 disposals, 10 clearances and seven inside 50s, with Ryan Davis (30 disposals, two goals) and Will Brodie (28 disposals, three goal) also controlling the bulk of play.
Michael Rischitelli played his first full game of NEAFL since overcoming an ACL injury to finish with 19 disposals, six marks, and a notable goal in the last quarter where every player from Gold Coast ran to him to celebrate.
Daniel says he is probably still a couple weeks away from an AFL return.
“He sets a really high standard for himself and he will want to make sure he is 100 per cent ready to go before he puts his hand up to play,” he said.
Andrew Swan (22 disposals, seven clearances) and Jordan Harper (27 disposals, one goal) battled hard for the Demons, but ultimately the side were left to lament too many costly skill errors.
No rest for either team as both have huge games lined up for Round 14, where the SUNS will face Aspley at Metricon Stadium and the Demons play ladder leaders Sydney Swans at UNSW Canberra Oval.
Canberra Demons v Gold Coast SUNS at UNSW Canberra Oval
GOLD COAST 5.1 12.5 15.6 19.8 (122)
CANBERRA 2.1 3.1 3.6 5.10 (40)
GOALS
Gold Coast: K Brooksby 5 W Brodie 3 K Sheers 3 R Davis 2 E Baru M Rischitelli J Heron T Nicholls D Charlesworth T Bowie.
Canberra: A Bruce J Turner J Bennett J Harper A Smout.
BEST
Gold Coast: M Hallahan R Davis W Brodie J Bowes K Brooksby D Currie.
Canberra: A Swan J Harper B Fulford N Collins B Halse S Martyn.
