THE Gold Coast Football Club overcame a poor record away from the comforts of Carrara to leapfrog their way to second position on the TAC Cup ladder with an exhilarating 17-point win over the Gippsland Power in Melbourne yesterday.
No one had to be reminded that the Coast had not won on the road since round two going into the match.
They wanted to prove a point and that they did with a gutsy 12-14 (86) to 10-9 (69) win over the third-placed Power.
And in doing so sent a warning to their competition that they are genuine premiership contenders and peaking at the right time of the season.
Played in blustery conditions at Visy Park in Carlton, the Coast found themselves down by ten points at quarter-time and then by 16 points at the main break.
They responded in the second half with some ruthless, disciplined and selfless football.
They were three points down at the final change and then came out firing after a spirited and spine tingling rev up by coach Guy McKenna.
A great snap goal by skipper Marc Lock followed by another to Joey Daye and then two majors by Luke Shreeve saw the Coast home.
"There are no fears now," said McKenna.
"They can come here and bring the spirit of Gold Coast and plonk it on Visy Park and be confident in their ability to win a game of football.
"Their ability to fight it out away from home was pleasing.
"I think the boys are getting a really good understanding amongst themselves and they have put themselves in this position with their work rate and attitude.
"It was good to get out of our comfortable environment, come into an uncomfortable environment and come away with a win."
Hard nosed utility Rex Liddy was superb for the Coast and best on ground, while Damien Steven, Zac Smith, Charlie Dixon, Tayler Rolfe and Lock all starred.
Hamish Watts, Ryan Thomson and Josh Milani were all solid down back.
The Coast now face minor premiers Geelong in a top-of-the-table clash at Carrara on Saturday.
By Nick Smart Courtesy of Gold Coast Bulletin
