By James Dampney
Gold Coast SUNS have made an encouraging start to its second AFL season, opening its NAB Cup campaign with a three-point victory over Melbourne at a saturated Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
The Demons got off to a fast start, kicking the game's first two goals, but only managed one more the rest of the way as the home side claimed a 0.4.2 (26) to 0.3.5 (23) win.
Mature-age recruit Aaron Hall, a 21-year-old from Hobart picked up in the NAB AFL pre-season draft, showed some impressive signs at half-forward for the GC SUNS.
He kicked two goals, including one gift from the typically influential Gary Ablett, and added six possessions and two tackles in a strong debut.
Mitch Clark gave Melbourne fans plenty to look forward to, taking a strong mark, kicking truly and being mobbed by his teammates to get the scoring underway.
Clark, who arrived from the Brisbane Lions in the off-season, finished with 1.2 and showed the type of aggression and marking ability in the forward line that could cause opposition sides plenty of problems in 2012.
The Demons dominated the early exchanges, putting 2.1 on the board before the SUNS managed to get the ball into their forward 50m.
But Gold Coast skipper Ablett lifted his work rate, and the home side responded, locking the scores at 0.2.2 (14) at half time.
The second stanza was another tight affair, with Hall's second giving the GC SUNS a lead they were able to maintain despite some strong Melbourne pressure in the dying minutes.
Nathan Bock impressed in a forward role, while highly-rated teenager Jaeger O'Meara wasn't overawed in his first match at this level.
O'Meara laid two impressive tackles, including one that led directly to a Josh Fraser goal early in the second half.
Karmichael Hunt showed off his new sleek physique while playing in the midfield but had little influence, managing just two handballs.
Matthew Bate had some good moments for Melbourne in a new role as an onballer, while Nathan Jones and Aaron Davey also performed well for the visitors.
Jack Watts was also used predominantly as a forward, but he, Clark and Stefan Martin got in each other's way at times in a forward line that may take some time to develop.
Gold Coast SUNS 0.2.2 0.4.2 (26)
Melbourne 0.2.2 0.3.5 (23)
GOALS
Gold Coast SUNS: Hall 2, Rischitelli, Fraser
Melbourne: Clark, Jones, Bartram
BEST
Gold Coast SUNS: Ablett, Rischitelli, Hall, Bock, Prestia, Weller, Iles
Melbourne: Clark, Jones, Magner, Bartram, Bate, Davey
INJURIES
Gold Coast SUNS: Nil
Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Nil
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
