The SUNS have made it three NEAFL wins in a row after accounting for Redland in a curtain raiser at Metricon Stadium on Saturday morning.
Rain was expected to be on the forecast but held off for the majority of the match, allowing the SUNS to score freely and run away with the 12.15 (87) to 6.10 (46) victory.
It was a quick start by Gold Coast, piling on five first-quarter goals thanks largely to an influential quarter by Aaron Young who kicked three majors.
Young was playing a mid/forward role and finished the day as one of the SUNS’ best (three goals, 25 disposals) but came off hampered halfway through the final quarter and didn’t return.
In his second game for the club, mid-season draftee Mitch Riordan is looking more and more comfortable after he accumulated 26 disposals and generated nine inside 50’s playing the midfield.
Michael Rischitelli was his usual dominant self, leading the team through the midfield with 29 disposals.
Key defender Caleb Graham was also impressive, taking six marks to cut down Redland’s forward 50 forays and collecting 16 disposals.
Development Coach Tim Clarke said it was pleasing for the club to secure a percentage-boosting win.
“The boys were terrific today they won he contested footy which we knew we had to do against Redland,” Clarke said post-match.
“We got the ball forward and our forwards were able to kick a couple of goals and a lot of it was on the back of our defenders setting up really well behind the footy.”
The SUNS take on seventh-placed Sydney Uni next week to consolidate a place in the top six.
FINAL SCORE
Gold Coast SUNS: 5.1 7.9 9.11 12.15 (87)
Redland Bombers: 2.4 2.5 4.7 6.10 (46)
Goals:
Gold Coast SUNS: Young 3, McDonald 2, Nicholls 2, Burgess, Horlin-Smith, Rischitelli, Riordan, Nutting
Redland: Cormick 2, Bailey, Cameron, Hammelmann, Kennealy
Best:
Gold Coast SUNS: Graham, Young, Rischitelli, Riordan, Dawson, Horlin-Smith
Redland: Rogers, Williams, Cameron, Yagmoor, Steven
