Gold Coast SUNS came from behind to win a hard-fought battle against Southport by 14 points in a quality contest at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.
Led by Michael Barlow (41 disposals) and Brayden Crossley (five goals), it was a strong second half where the SUNS booted 10 goals to five which was the catalyst for the 14.9 (93) to 12.7 (79) victory.
Gold Coast coach Nick Malceski said it was a satisfying win, particularly after losing Jesse Lonergan to a hamstring complaint late in the first quarter,
“They (Southport) are a good opposition who have been playing some really good football lately, and we’ve been struggling,” he told neafl.com.au.
“We knew it was going to be a really hard contest against Southport. They are number one in the comp for contested footy. That’s something we want to pride ourselves on, so it was pleasing to get the win.”
Southport started on fire in the opening term, registering the first goal within two minutes to signal their intentions for the afternoon.
Wade Hancock, Lee Dale, Kai Sheers and Josh Baxter all booted majors before the SUNS could find their first goal of the game through an opportunistic snap from Will Powell in time-on.
The Sharks took a 17-point lead into the first break and pushed margin out to 26 when comeback man Josh Hall – who stepped around an opponent at the 50m arc to nail his first goal in the NEAFL in 1064 days – followed by a snap from Andrew Boston extended Southport’s advantage.
But Gold Coast began to find some momentum of their own. They booted the next four goals in a row either side of the half-time break to cut the margin to a single point when Fitzroy Greenwool showed some individual brilliance to burst through traffic and convert on the run.
The SUNS then hit the front for the first time in the match at the 16-minute mark when Josh Schoenfeld goalled on the run, as the two sides traded blows for the remainder of the term.
Gold Coast went in to the last quarter with a three-point buffer, but the Sharks drew first blood through Boston’s second form a set shot.
However, it was short lived as the SUNS found the next three in a row. Southport had a chance to steal victory, coming within two points at the 23-minute mark of the last, but the SUNS secured victory with the last two goals to Greenwool and Josh Schoenfeld.
Josh Clayton was the leading possessions winner for the Sharks with 30 disposals, seven clearances, and six inside 50s, while Boston was lively with 17 disposals and three majors.
Barlow was sublime for the SUNS with nine clearances alongside his 41 disposals, while Wil Powell was important with 20 disposals, five inside 50s and two goals.
Malceski said there were plenty of contributors across the park that got the job done.
“Mick Barlow I thought was super, he had plenty of the footy and really led the boys – at half-time he challenged them,” he said.
“I also thought Wil Powell had his best game for the club aswell. We just had good contributions from everyone.”
Southport hosts Sydney University in a blockbuster next week, while the SUNS take on the GIANTS at Spotless Stadium.
Southport Sharks v Gold Coast SUNS at Fankhauser Reserve
GOLD COAST 2.2 4.4 9.9 14.9 (93)
SOUTHPORT 5.1 7.6 9.6 12.7 (79)
GOALS – Gold Coast: B Crossley 5 J Schoenfeld 2 W Powell 2 F Greenwool 2 B Scheer K Boakye S Lemmens.
Southport: A Boston 3 J Baxter 2 J Clayton W Hancock T Wilkinson M Manteit L Dale K Sheers J Hall.
BEST – Gold Coast: M Barlow W Powell B Scheer J Scrimshaw M Spencer B Crossley.
Southport: D Charlesworth L Dale T Wilkinson T Roos S Tape R Davis.
