A powerful burst in the fourth quarter by the NEAFL SUNS enabled them to exact revenge for a loss earlier in the season to the UWS Giants, with the SUNS prevailing by 31 points in an entertaining contest.
It was a tight first half, with the Giants having the early advantage before the SUNS steadied and looked to have the ascendency. The SUNS held a four goal lead early in the second quarter, before the Giants rallied to take the lead, only for the SUNS to respond with two late goals to take a 13 point lead at the main break.
It was a similar story in the third quarter, with the SUNS kicking the first goal before the Giants kicked the next three goals to close within a point. A late goal to Josh Fraser gave the SUNS a bit of breathing space heading into the final quarter.
But the SUNS were not going to let this one slip, and slammed on six goals to the Giants two to prevail 16.7 (103) to 11.6 (72).
Coach Shaun Hart was pleased his side was back in the winners circle, and particularly pleased with the way they ran out the match.
"It was great to get on the winners list again, and to beat GWS after our disappointing effort down there last time," he said.
"There was only a period in the second quarter where we let ourselves down and opened up the opportunity for GWS to score some goals."
"But apart from that I thought we really controlled the game. That was a really pleasing part, particularly the last quarter. The effort of the guys to keep going, it is full credit to them."
The match was not played under normal circumstances, with both sides playing only 16 a side (playing a five man forward line and defence) and four on the bench (instead of five). The quarters were also capped at 22 minutes.
Hart said there were some challenges associated with the match conditions.
"It (the conditions) was agreed between the two sides because of a lack of numbers. We probably could have got 23 together but we knew they were struggling for numbers," he said.
"Your forward entries had to be extra good, because of the rebound factor with less numbers in the forward 50."
"The learning from it was that it was a little bit different, and our rotations were down (92 as opposed to 150). The blokes had to work a bit harder."
The SUNS forward line combination of Josh Hall, Josh Fraser and Alik Magin were quite potent, combining for 10 goals.
Hart was delighted with their output.
"Just outstanding, but it does come from ball use up the field," he said.
I thought Magin and Josh Hall in particular was outstanding, and Josh Fraser continues to lead us up there.
"Fraser and Hall's ability to work together up there was fantastic."
Hall's improvement in particular pleased Hart, who said opposition clubs would begin taking notice of his form.
"He has a little bit of X-factor about him, and no doubt opposition clubs are noticing his improvement," he said.
"It is exciting to watch a guy come from Olympic high jumping, who is continuing to raise the bar in the footy world and lifting himself to a new level every week."
Other players to impress the coach were omitted senior pair Taylor Hine and Hayden Jolly, and also Jackson Allen (who was on the cusp of senior selection this week)
Taylor Hine and Jackson Allen were both fantastic. Hayden Jolly was outstanding as well.
Jeremy Taylor was also good in defence, curbing the influence of Israel Folau.
The SUNS will look to continue their winning ways next week when they head to Brisbane to take on Aspley (8th, 3 wins 10 losses), and Hart was wary of the opposition.
"We just want to keep winning," he said.
"Aspley are struggling a little bit, but we have to go to their home ground where we haven't played before and we have to get the same result we got today."
GOLD COAST SUNS 5.1 8.4 10.6 16.7 (103)
UWS GIANTS 2.1 6.3 9.5 11.6 (72)
GOALS: Alik Magin 4, Josh Hall 3, Josh Fraser 3, Aaron Hall 2, Jacob Gillbee, Stephen Mills, Hayden Jolly, Lewis Moss.
BEST: Josh Hall, Taylor Hine, Hayden Jolly, Alik Magin, Sam Iles, Jeremy Taylor, Josh Fraser, Jackson Allen.
