The Gold Coast SUNS threatened to pull off one of the upsets of the year against Sydney University, before a last quarter surge from the Students saw them take out a 47-point victory.
The SUNS got within 15-points during a third-quarter fightback, before conceding five goals to one in the last to be defeated by 17.12 (114) to 10.7 (67).
Half way through the first quarter senior listed player Jarrad Grant was stretchered off with a knee injury, putting Gold Coast on the back foot early on.
But the visitors set the field alight after coming out of the sheds for the second quarter, with Cameron Loersch (four goals), kicking a major just 60 seconds into the term.
The SUNS came out after the main change the same way they’d done prior – winning the ruck tap, roving to perfection and hitting Loersch on his sizeable chest for the first goal of the quarter.
The third quarter belonged to the Queenslanders, with some of their Academy players putting their hands up to lead the visitors’ revival.
Charlton Offermans (17 disposals, 4 inside 50s) started a quality movement that nabbed his team a set shot goal, and after 17-year-old Emmanuel Baru put through two of his own on NEAFL debut, Gold Coast trailed by just 15-points.
But in the final quarter Sydney University started to show the style of play that has them earmarked as NEAFL Premiership favourites.
Despite the loss, Gold Coat coach Stephen Daniel seemed the happier of the two coaches.
“We had to bring 12 (players) in from our Academy, and five we met for the first time on Friday,” he said.
“For them to come together (and) to get within three goals of one of the best sides in the competition, we’re happy with that.”
Will Brodie (35 disposals, six clearances, six rebound 50s) put together a quality performance, putting his hand up as one of Gold Coast’s best on the day.
The SUNS NEAFL team will travel home to take on the Giants in a curtain raiser game on Saturday May 6, 3.45pm.
Sydney University v Gold Coast Suns at BISP
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 4.5 10.6 12.9 17.12 (114)
GOLD COAST 1.1 3.3 9.5 10.7 (67)
GOALS
Sydney University: J Derickx 4 T Barrett 3 J Williams 2 W Taylor L Kilpatrick C McFadden J Potter T Ayton D Bonney A Gillespie.
Gold Coast: C Loersch 4 E Baru 2 M Saad 2 C Offermans M Willis.
BEST
Sydney University: J Derickx D Baron-Hay T Young R Hebron T Ayton.
Gold Coast: W Brodie D Macpherson C Loersch.
