The Gold Coast SUNS have ended a 13-game losing streak against Sydney with a nine-point triumph at their adopted home at Fankhauser Reserve.
The Swans were within reach all day but the SUNS were just able to get over the line, winning 8.10 (58) to 6.13 (49).
The Swans went into the game without a win in season 2018, and at stages of the fourth quarter they looked like they could’ve snatched the victory from Gold Coast’s grasp.
It wasn’t to be though, with inaccurate goal kicking continuing for the visitors as they wasted 2.5 in the last quarter, not making the most of the strong breeze.
The difference on the scoreboard between the two sides being the SUNS were able to minimise the Swans scoring when they had the breeze in the third quarter.
The third was a sore point last week for the SUNS, but this week they made sure they came out hard after half-time.
Gold Coast SUNS coach Nick Malceski said it was something they focused on.
“Our mindset was a bit better this week going out after half-time,” he told neafl.com.au.
“Our defence was little bit off in the first quarter when we had the wind. So, going into the third quarter we wanted to be a bit more direct, and put their backs up against it a little bit more.”
The game was not over though, and it was important that the Gold Coast held tough against the breeze.
“Our boys showed a lot of resilience in that last quarter. They were coming at us, but we were able to hold them up, which we were really impressed with,” he said.
The SUNS were also much better at contested ball this week, which is an area that both sides pride themselves on.
Malceski saying it was “a real credit to the boys” that they were able to beat a side like the Swans, who pride themselves on contested ball.
The SUNS benefited from the return of Will Brodie, who according to Malceski is a “contested beast”, and Aaron Hall had 31 possessions with 15 of them being contested.
The ruck dual was fascinating between Brayden Crossley and Darcy Cameron, with both players doing well for their team.
Cameron playing particular well, and was the highest possession winner for the Swans, with 24-disposals, in addition with 32 hit-outs and two goals.
The Swans still remain without a win in season 2018, but there were plenty of promising signs for Tadhg Kennelly and his side, considering they had three less AFL-listed players, and had a few less rotations then the SUNS in the end.
The Swans will be determined not to drop to 0-4 when the take on the Hornets at home next week.
Meanwhile, for the SUNS they will be looking to continue their good form when they play against Canberra at UNSW Canberra Oval.
Gold Coast SUNS v Sydney Swans at Fankhauser Reserve
GOLD COAST 3.4 5.7 7.10 8.10 (58)
SYDNEY 2.4 4.6 4.8 6.13 (49)
GOALS
Gold Coast: A Hall 2, E Sansbury 2, W Brodie, C Ballard, E Baru, C Ah Chee
Sydney: J Rose 2, D Cameron 2, J Brown, T McCartin
BEST
Gold Coast: W Brodie, C Ballard, A Hall, B Crossley, M Willis, J Dawson
Sydney: D Cameron, J. Brown, J Maibaum, T McCartin, H Parker
