Essendon has moved back into the top eight with a win over Gold Coast but missed a golden chance to boost its percentage after a scratchy victory at Metricon Stadium.
The Bombers dominated most areas of the match but couldn't fully capitalise on the scoreboard in their 12.18 (90) to 9.3 (57) victory.
The Bombers had to work hard to shake the pesky SUNS, but eventually ground their way to victory.
They led at every change and got a huge contribution from midfielder David Zaharakis, who finished with 38 disposals.
Joe Daniher was blanketed by SUNS captain Steven May, kicking just one goal – from a free kick in the final term – to remain four goals behind Eagle Josh Kennedy in the race for the Coleman Medal.
While Daniher struggled, fellow forwards James Stewart, Cale Hooker and debutant Josh Begley all kicked two goals, while Brendon Goddard, impressive Andrew McGrath and Mark Baguley were prolific ball winners with 25 disposals apiece.
Essendon had the ball camped in its forward half for most of the game, but took until early in the last quarter to assert any real dominance.
They won the inside 50s by a whopping 71-31, which came on the back of midfield dominance in disposals (418-346), clearances (36-29) and contested ball (147-121).
Gold Coast was far from disgraced though, and despite missing some of its best players through injury – namely Gary Ablett and Tom Lynch – put in one of their most consistent four-quarter efforts for many weeks.
May was fantastic, Ben Ainsowrth with three goals showed his enormous potential, and Aaron Hall (31 touches) worked hard.
Gold Coast mixed its team up early on, throwing Jarrod Harbrow forward, Callum Ah Chee back and rotating its small midfielders through the forward line, but it made little difference.
They turned the ball over almost monotonously in the first quarter, but once settling down in the second, snatched the lead after three straight goals.
GOLD COAST 3.1 6.1 8.1 9.3 (57)
ESSENDON 4.2 6.8 8.11 12.18 (90)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Ainsworth 3, Wright, Martin, Schoenfeld, Swallow, Macpherson, Hallahan
Essendon: Stewart 2, Begley 2, Hooker 2, Green, McKenna, Heppell, Daniher, Parish, McDonald-Tipungwuti
BEST
Gold Coast: May, Hanley, Hall, McKenzie, Swallow
Essendon: Zaharakis, Goddard, Baguley, Kelly, McGrath
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Essendon: Green (foot)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Foot, Stevic, O'Gorman
Official crowd: 16,817 at Metricon Stadium
