With scores level at three-quarter time, Gold Coast came mighty close to ruining Geelong’s first game under lights at Simonds Stadium last season.
In more ways than one, it was a match of much significance. The round ten contest not only marked the first AFL premiership game with the yellow Sherrin at Kardinia Park, but also Gary Ablett’s return to his old stomping ground as an opposition player.
“I am a little nervous but at the same time very excited,” Ablett said at the time.
Furthermore, he became the first Gold Coast SUNS player to reach 50 games with the club on the night.
With the national build-up surrounding the prime-time Saturday night clash, it was clear from the opening bounce that the match would be fiercely contested, with neither side able to seize momentum.
An emphatic five-goal third term had the GC SUNS getting ready to play the role of party poopers, as they jumped out to a 12-point lead at one stage.
However, the Cats did well to avert an upset loss, with a nine-goal-to-one final term earning the Cats 52-point victory.
After being jeered early on by his former home crowd, the Cats’ faithful couldn’t help but admire one of their past favourite sons as the game wore on, with Ablett producing many moments of magic. There was none better, though, than his extraordinary goal from 45 metres out, when he snapped truly when hard up against the boundary line in the right forward pocket.
Even Cats coach Brad Scott couldn’t help but marvel at Ablett’s genius.
"The people in front of us stood up and bowed," Scott said.
"I felt like joining in. If he's not the best player I've ever seen, he's pretty close."
Gold Coast forward Campbell Brown finished as the SUNS’ leading goal-kicker with three six-pointers, while Brandon Matera starred with his 18 touches in the first-half before going down with a serious ankle injury.
Although his side didn’t capture the premiership points, Guy McKenna said he couldn’t fault his side’s effort and intensity.
"They were super – moved the ball really well and, to be honest, even at half-time and three-quarter time we probably should have had our noses in front,” McKenna said
"We missed some gettable goals that the boys have kicked before, but, again, you can't fault their effort."
GEELONG 3.2 6.6 9.10 18.15 (123)
GOLD COAST 3.2 4.8 9.10 10.11 (71)
