Gold Coast has returned to the NEAFL top six after winning an arm wrestle against ladder leaders Sydney by 23 points at the SCG on Saturday.
The SUNS stunned the Swans as the match broke open in second half, booting six goals to three in the final term on their way to a 11.10 (76) to 8.5 (53) triumph.
Gold Coast midfielder Michael Barlow amassed 50 disposals and Sydney’s Jordan Dawson racked up a league record-equalling 23 tackles as the match was dominated by stoppages and stubborn defense by both teams.
Both teams booted three goals each in the opening term but the scoring dried up in the second as neither side could manage a goal.
The margin never grew beyond nine points for three quarters before the SUNS put on the afterburners in the last, storming home with five unanswered goals all but sealing the important victory.
It puts the SUNS two points clear in sixth place ahead of Brisbane and the GIANTS in equal seventh after they played out a thrilling draw at the Gabba on Saturday.
The Swans, meanwhile, dropped from first to second following Canberra’s win over NT Thunder.
Barlow had 11 clearances and eight inside 50s alongside his 50 disposals, with Brayden Fiorini again impressing in his bid to regain a place in the AFL side with 42 disposals, 13 tackles and two goals.
Jacob Dawson also impressed for Gold Coast with 42 disposals and 11 clearances, while academy member Emmanuel Baru booted three goals.
Dawson was superb for Sydney with 29 disposals, 23 tackles, five clearances, five inside 50s, four rebound 50s and three goals to be a clear standout.
Jack Blair, in his NEAFL debut, had 60 hit-outs, and Alex Johnson was solid in defence.
Sydney has the bye next week whilst Gold Coast hosts Brisbane in a blockbuster AFL curtain raiser at Metricon Stadium.
Sydney Swans v Gold Coast SUNS at the SCG
GOLD COAST 3.0 3.3 5.5 11.10 (76)
SYDNEY 3.3 3.4 5.4 8.5 (53)
GOALS – Gold Coast: E Baru 3 B Fiorini 2 F Greenwool 2 H Simington D Koenen K Boakye J Bowes.
Sydney: J Dawson 3 A Styles 2 L Swaney 2 D Towers.
BEST – Gold Coast: B Fiorini M Barlow J Dawson J Leslie M Rosa J Scrimshaw.
Sydney: J Dawson J Blair A Johnson.
