The return to football for Jaeger O’Meara dominated headlines on Saturday morning and his inclusion sparked the SUNS reserves early in their clash against Southport at Metricon Stadium.

Despite the SUNS restricted to just one player on the interchange for the majority of the second half, a brave Gold Coast outfit were able to hold on to run out 33-point winners, 14.11 (95) to 9.8 (62).

Gold Coast opened up a seven-goal lead at the opening break with O’Meara demonstrating why he’s rated one of the brightest young talents in the land, collecting 10 first-quarter disposals and looking more confident as the game wore on. His hard running and clean hands were a particular highlight, looking to have lost little of his touch despite 15 months on the sidelines.

The scoring slowed down in the second quarter with just three goals, the SUNS going into the main change with a healthy 38-point lead.

 


With O’Meara put on ice at half time and forward Cam Loersch done for the day with an elbow injury, the Sharks started to claw their way back early in the third quarter with a pair of early goals.

When play was stopped as Danny Stanley went down with an ankle injury, the visitors could smell an opportunity and stepped the intensity up a gear.

A four goal to one third quarter brought Southport to within 17-points at the final change, but the SUNS were able to land an early blow in the last with Academy player Jesse Esam snagging the first goal of the quarter.

When Jarrod Garlett kicked his third goal of the game at the 10-minute mark of the term, the SUNS looked safe with a 29-point lead but the Sharks booted the next three goals to give themselves a chance.

Southport peppered their forward 50 in time on but the home side were able to hold their nerve to win as Garlett booted the sealer, his fourth goal, to go with 24 disposals and nine tackles.

Jack Leslie finished with 25 touches and 10 marks down back, Mitch Hallahan collected 28 touches while Josh Schoenfeld played one of his best games for the club with 27 disposals, 13 marks and two goals.

Gold Coast 7.1 8.5 9.6 14.11 (95)
Southport 0.1 2.3 6.7 9.8 (62)

GOALS
Gold Coast: J Garlett 4 J Daniels 2 S Watson 2 J Schoenfeld 2 M Willis J Esam C Loersch J Grant
Southport: Z Saad 2 C Filewood 2 D Troutman F Thurlow K Brennan J Holland G Screech

BEST
Gold Coast: J Garlett J Schoenfeld J Leslie M Hallahan S Davidson
Southport: M Sully A McKenzie A Boston E Panozza J Drew J Keras