Sydney Swans consolidated their place at the top of the NEAFL ladder with an 88-point victory over Gold Coast at Newcastle Oval on Saturday. 

The undermanned SUNS outfit trailed by only four points at quarter-time, but the Swans had too much firepower in the end, running out16.24 (120) to 4.8 (32) winners.

Sydney opened up a 24-point advantage at half-time but did the most of the damage in the second half – keeping Gold Coast to one goal for the remainder of the game as they piled on a further 10 majors .

Michael Talia (29 disposals, 10 marks, 10 rebound 50s) dominated for the Swans in defence while Jordan Foote (26 disposals) and Jeremy Laidler (25) were among their better players.

Darcy Macpherson continued his great season for the SUNS in the NEAFL with another best-on-ground performance, after collecting 26 disposals, 12 tackles, five clearances and a goal.

Dan Currie (20 hit-outs) and Keegan Brooksby (16 disposals, five rebound 50s) were also solid contributors for the SUNS.

Gold Coast will host Southport in an AFL curtain raiser at Metricon Stadium on Saturday morning.

Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at Newcastle Oval

SYDNEY 1.6 6.11 11.16 16.24 (120)

GOLD COAST 1.2 3.5 4.8 4.8 (32)

GOALS
Sydney: A Aliir 3 S Wicks 3 S Edwards 2 B Jack J Dawson C O’Riordan W Gowers T Pink T Leonardis J Rose R Fox.
Gold Coast: K Sheers C Beaman S Watson D Macpherson.

BEST
Sydney: M Talia J Foote J Laidler S Edwards R Fox S Barkley.
Gold Coast: D Macpherson D Currie K Brooksby T McKenzie R Davis.