The Gold Coast SUNS reserves started well against the NT Thunder before fading dramatically to be defeated by 74 points at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.
The Territorians were four goals to one down at one stage in the first quarter but amazingly kicked the last 14 goals of the game to win 15.17 (107) to 4.9 (33).
The SUNS led by eight points at quarter-time before unseasonal rain descended on Marrara and turned the match into a wet-weather slog.
Thunder made better use of the conditions, hitting the front with four goals in the second and finished with another eight in the second half.
Competition leading goalkicker Darren Ewing added another five goals to his tally, ably supported up forward by Chris Dunne, who also kicked five, while Liam Patrick booted two against his old club.
Thunder’s win was set up through the midfield, where Shannon Rioli, Richard Tambling, Matt Rosier and Cameron Ilett’s work was impressive.
Nick Malceski made his return from injury for the SUNS and got through the match unscathed to be one of Gold Coast’s better performers alongside Clay Cameron, Peter Wright (one goal) and Greg Broughton.
After suffering two close losses to Sydney University (11 points) at home and Southport (five) on the Gold Coast, the confidence-boost was important for NT Thunder ahead of a top six showdown against Aspley at TIO Stadium after the bye.
NT THUNDER 3.1 7.4 11.9 15.17 (107)
GOLD COAST 4.3 4.6 4.7 4.9 (33)
GOALS
NT Thunder: C. Dunne 5, D. Ewing 5, L. Patrick 2, M. Bowden, M. Rosier, D. Barry
Gold Coast: L. Herbert, P. Wright, T. Downie, J. Ellis
BEST
NT Thunder: S. Rioli, R. Tambling, C. Ilett, C. Dunne, M. Bowden, M. Rosier
Gold Coast: C. Cameron, P. Wright, G. Broughton, N. Malceski, Z. Smith
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