A six-goal haul from mature-aged rookie Tyrone Downie led Gold Coast’s reserves to a massive 85-point win over Eastlake at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Josh Fraser’s side leapt out of the blocks to open up a 27-point lead by the first break, before completely running over the top of the Demons to register a 17.22 (124) to 5.9 (39) victory.
Gold Coast went into the clash against Eastlake needing a win to keep their slim finals chances alive, but despite the enormous win, are reliant on other results falling in their favour in the final round of the season.
In his first season at Metricon Stadium, Downie has produced a stellar year, overcoming an injury interrupted pre-season to be one of the best forwards in the NEAFL. The Bendigo product was well supported by Daniel Gorringe who collected 23 possessions and 22 hitouts to be one of the SUNS best players.
Andrew Boston responded emphatically to his omission from Rodney Eade’s side, collecting 31 disposals, eight inside 50s, seven rebound 50s and six clearances in a dominant display. Captain Andrew Raines continued his ultra consistent season with another dependable performance through the midfield with 34 possessions.
GOLD COAST 4.5 10.8 13.14 17.22 (124)
EASTLAKE 0.2 2.4 4.7 5.9 (39)
GOALS – Gold Coast: T Downie 6 S Tape 2 J Glenn W Wolbers J Ellis M Lappin D Budarick A Boston B Scheer D Trask P Wright. Eastlake: M Frail 2 B Dowdell B Lagana M Channon.
BEST – Gold Coast: T Downie D Gorringe A Boston A Raines E Reeves D Budarick. Eastlake: T Highmore J Hancock D Cummins B Halse
