Gold Coast SUNS add to Bomber’s dark season
The Age
Andrew Stafford
Before analysing this match between the 15th and 16th teams on the ladder, consider for a moment last week's results, where Essendon and the Gold Coast lost by a combined total of 195 points. This was a match between two physically and emotionally exhausted teams: low on personnel, on energy and on spirit.
It's pointless wishing for a 17-round season when the AFL has just signed the richest broadcast deal in its history. But that doesn't change the fact that the season is too long, both from an aesthetic point of view and fairness. This deadest of dead rubbers was another case for that argument's prosecution.
The SUNS, though, always looked to have a little more in reserve, particularly for talent, as injury-hit as they are. Jack Martin, Harley Bennell and Tom Lynch were the players that stood up when their side most needed it, Martin's vertical leap and sure hands a delight; Lynch again a powerhouse in the air.
Martin could have sealed the result far earlier, with three behinds and an out of bounds in the last quarter to go with three earlier goals. He was one of the few players, though, that didn't look like he was swimming through quicksand. Teammate Adam Saad, excellent for so long in his first year, looked long overcooked.
SUNS outshine Egan’s Bombers in thriller
The Courier Mail
Andrew Hamilton
GOLD Coast showed that they may be down on numbers and low on skills but they are full of spirit with a thrilling two point victory over the Bombers at Metricon Stadium.
With forward Sam Day in hospital with a neck injury, the SUNS, led superbly by captain Michael Rischitelli and with starring roles by Tom Lynch and Jack Martin hung-on to claim a 14.13 (97) to 14.11 (95) victory, their fourth win of the season.
The result was in doubt right till the death when a Jake Carlisle snap on the siren sailed wide.
Bombers players hung their heads in despair while weary SUNS collapsed to the ground in elation.
It was a win badly wanted, and needed by both clubs.
It was Jack Martin’s most damaging game of an injury marred season and rivalled his best at this level — the four goal performance against West Coast he produced here in the final round last season. The flaw in his game is his set shots for goal.
Eade still frustrated by ‘heavy-legged’ SUNS
afl.com.au
Michael Whiting
His team is running on empty, and despite hanging on for a gritty two-point win over Essendon on Saturday night, Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade was not totally satisfied.
Although pleased to notch just the fourth win of the SUNS' season, Eade described it as a frustrating performance.
The veteran coach said his team failed to adapt to the greasy conditions, didn't convert their numerous opportunities, and even more damning, suggested they conceded ground mentally before doing so physically.
This came after Eade aired concerns on match-eve that his young and injury-depleted team was running out of legs following last week's second-half capitulation against Richmond.
