The drought is finally over for the Gold Coast SUNS reserves after they claimed a 25-point victory over the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night at Metricon Stadium.
Emotions were high for the players at the end of the game with all of them summoning coach Josh Fraser - who also experienced his first win since taking the reins back in 2014 - to join them in the circle to belt out the team song.
The reserves side have experienced a long drought, with 22-consecutive losses dating back to Round 21, 2013, and it looked to continue on Saturday night with the team trailing the Lions for majority of the match.
However, due to some inaccuracy in front of goal from the Lions in the third quarter and the SUNS finding their mojo in the fourth by kicking four goals to none, they turned it around to take out an inspiring win.
Fraser was extremely thrilled with the team’s performance, especially after their disappointing loss against the Sydney Swans reserves last week.
“It was a really pleasing performance. We’ve shown enough signs in our first three weeks; we’ve had a pretty tough draw. But tonight I think we identified a great opportunity to respond,” Fraser said.
“Last week in Mackay we were really disappointing, so the challenge was laid out to the players and they responded accordingly. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Aaron Hall bounced back well from his omission from the seniors by collecting 31 disposals, three clearances and seven inside 50s and he was well supported by Mitch Hallahan, Andrew Raines, Tyrone Downie and Peter Wright.
After playing in the reserves for the past fortnight following a rib injury in round two, Hallahan put his hand up for a recall to the senior side with a polished performance against the Lions.
“Mitch was terrific, he really was. In the conditions, it was quite wet and slippery out there. But his clean hands and ability to win the contested ball was terrific,” Fraser said.
Fraser was also pleased with mature-aged rookie, Raines, who once again broadcasted his leadership skills across the ground.
“I’ve been so impressed with Rainesy I really have. He’s come in and the way he’s lead our group and the roles we’ve been giving him. Tonight we had to put him on [James] Aish just to try and quieten him and he did that terrifically well.”
“His leadership’s outstanding, and he’s professionalism behind the scenes Monday to Friday is a great example for our younger players.”
The SUNS reserves will play the curtain-raiser for their senior counterparts, lining-up against a red-hot Southport Sharks side at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
GC SUNS 1.3 3.6 6.6 10.14 (74)
BRISBANE LIONS 2.4 3.7 6.11 6.13 (49)
Goals: A.Raines 2, P. Wright 2, C. Filewood, A.Hall, M. Hallahan, J. Joyce, D. Stanley, G Woosup
Best: A. Hall , M. Hallahan , T. Downie , A. Raines , Z. Smith
