First-round draft pick Brayden Fiorini has put his name firmly in consideration for a senior berth in Rodney Eade’s side with a best-on-ground performance in the SUNS reserves’ 13-point win over Southport on Sunday.

The midfielder had 40 disposals, 14 marks, eight clearances, six rebound 50s, seven tackles and two goals in the 13.7 (85) to 11.6 (72) win over the Sharks.

David Swallow also got through unscathed. In his first game back in more than 12 months the 2014 Club Champion collected 16 disposals.

After a slow start, the SUNS set up the game in the second term, booting the first five goals of the quarter to open up a handy break at half time.

Sean Lemmens was impressive with 36 disposals and 10 marks, Tom Keough a rock down back with 26 touches and 11 marks while Darcy Macpherson had 24 disposals and booted two goals. Ruckman Dan Currie won the battle in the ruck with 36 hit-outs.

Academy prospects Max Spencer and Jacob Dawson were also among the best in the red and gold.

Gold Coast now sits on equal points with Southport on the NEAFL ladder, just outside the top six on percentage. If the SUNS beat third-placed Aspley next Saturday and the Sharks drop their game at home against the NT Thunder, Gold Coast will sneak into the finals.

GOLD COAST 2.1 8.1 12.3 13.7 (85)
SOUTHPORT 3.1 4.1 7.3 11.6 (72)

GOALS
Gold Coast: B Fiorini 2 S Watson 2 D Macpherson 2 N Kempe D Currie S Davidson B Scheer B Foster B Crossley S Lemmens
Southport: Z Saad 2 F Thurlow 2 H Kiel 2 M Sully G Screech S Donnelly N Burton J Holland

BEST
Gold Coast: B Fiorini M Spencer S Lemmens J Dawson T Keough S Tape
Southport: A McKenzie J Keras M Sully N Crowley S Rogers K Brennan