With this weekend’s Round 21 fixture against Port Adelaide marking the last time the Gold Coast SUNS will play an AFL match at AAMI Stadium, The Rise thought it appropriate to take a look back at the home of football in South Australian and the oval where the GC SUNS recorded our first ever AFL premiership victory.
In that match, the Gold Coasters trailed the Power at every change however rallied to kick eight of the last nine goals during the final quarter, staging a remarkable 43-point turnaround to steal a thrilling three-point victory.
Led by the experienced Michael Rischitelli, skipper Gary Ablett and young guns David Swallow and Charlie Dixon, the Gold Coasters claimed the lead for the first time in the match with two minutes of play remaining.
The Power’s Justin Westhoff had the chance to breaks the hearts of SUNS fans around the country with a shot at goal after the final siren, however strayed his shot sparking jubilant celebrations as the SUNS celebrated their famous victory in front of the 21,287 spectators in attendance.
Rischitelli finished with a game-high 31 disposals, while Ablett and Swallow combined for 19 disposals in the final term.
Goal-sneak Brandon Matera proved to be pivotal in the fourth quarter, booting four goals and impacting a number of scoring opportunities for the visitors.
Josh Fraser and Zac Smith dominated the hit-outs against Power ruck-duo Daniel Stewart and Jackson Trengrove after Dean Brogan fell to a leg injury.
During his post-match media conference, GC SUNS senior coach Guy McKenna described the historic finish as “a great shot in the arm” for a club in its inaugural year.
“A really pleasing effort from our players," he said.
"Slowly but surely, the boys are playing longer patches of good football. We are moving in the right direction."
And with the SUNS eyeing off their eight Premiership victory for 2013, it’s safe to say the SUNS have made some significant strides on-field since their famous win.
Round 5 2011 Season
Gold Coast SUNS 2.2 5.6 9.9 15.14 (104)
PORT ADELAIDE 5.3 9.5 14.7 15.11 (101)
Best:
Rischitelli, Matera, Ablett, Swallow, Dixon
Goals:
Matera 4, Rischitelli 2, Dixon 2, Russell 2, Brennan, Smith, McKenzie, Ablett, Bennell
