It was a mighty effort from the Gold Coasters, however the Sydney Swans reserve’s experience and elite ability at the contested football proved too strong for the SUNS – the hosts falling away during the final term to go down by 27 points.
Wet weather conditions made for a low-scoring affair during the first quarter, however the Gold Coast were able to capitalise early, holding the lead on the scoreboard for the majority of the opening term before a late goal to the Swans reserves saw the interstate visitors take a one-point lead heading into the first break.
Returning from injury Daniel Gorringe held down the ruck duties in the centre circle for the majority of the match, finishing amongst the side’s best on-field performers taking it right up to the Swans dynamic ruck-men.
Star forward Charlie Dixon threw himself into the action early in his first match back from injury, taking a number of strong contested marks inside-50 and setting up a multitude of goals for his Gold Coast teammates.
Sydney reserves coach Jared Crouch had identified Liam Patrick as the danger man for the Gold Coast, assigning premiership star Rhyce Shaw on the lightning quick goal-sneak for the majority of the first-half.
Timmy Sumner provided the highlight of the contest mid-way through the third quarter, putting on the jets along the Western side boundary before kicking a booming 60m drop punt to find the goals.
With only five points the difference at the third quarter-time break, the NEAFL SUNS came out with a much more competitive effort heading into the final term, however failed to make the most of their opportunities inside-50 – whilst the Swans refused to take a backwards step, ramping up the intensity during the final minutes and kicking away to a 27 point margin that the home side were unable to bridge.
Shaun Hart’s NEAFL charges will now look towards coming back stronger than ever against the UWS Giants in their Round 19 clash, with the two NEAFL rivals set to battle it out at Metricon Stadium next weekend.
FINAL Score
NEAFL SUNS 9.10.64
Swans 12.13.85
