The Gold Coast SUNS have pegged back a 53 point deficit to go down to North Melbourne by 13 points.

In front of over 7,000 people at Townsville's Tony Ireland Stadium, the SUNS came close to running down the Roos.

Led by David Swallow with 20 disposals and 2 goals, Jack Martin and Brandon Matera, the SUNS kicked eight goals to the Roos four in the second half to come storming home.

Forward Aaron Hall was also impressive; he bagged one goal and 13 disposals.

It was Brandon Matera's introduction in the second half that kick started the SUNS recovery. Matera collected 10 possessions and had three shots on goal after he entered the fray at half time.

SUNS skipper Gary Ablett was unusually quiet, having minimal impact on the match in particular in the first term, where the SUNS were outplayed.

Despite the slow start, in which the SUNS failed to have an impact on the stat sheet, the team managed to turn the tide, ending the game in front on many of the key stats including Inside 50’s (49-44), Contested Possession (119-108), Marks Inside 50 (10-6) and Tackles (37-32).

The SUNS will head to Blacktown International Sports Park on Saturday night to tackle the Sydney Swans in Round 3 of the NAB Cup.

NORTH MELBOURNE         1.6.2                1.10.4              2.12.5              2.13.6 (102)
GOLD COAST SUNS            0.1.2                1.3.7                1.5.9                1.11.14 (89)

SUPERGOALS
North Melbourne: Gysberts, Tarrant
Gold Coast SUNS: May

GOALS
North Melbourne: Thomas 3, Black 3, Currie 2, Bastinac, Harvey, Cunnington, Harper, Greenwood
Gold Coast SUNS: Swallow 2, Brown 2, Hutchins, Ablett, Gorringe, Smith, Hall, Brennan, Harbrow