A see-sawing last quarter saw the Gold Coast SUNS Reserves trump Morningside by two points with Karmichael Hunt claiming some headlines.

The Gold Coast SUNS Reserves kept their long-held spot in the NEAFL northern conference top three with a thrilling two-point win over Morningside in a cracking encounter at Broadbeach today. 

Harley Bennell kicked the matchwinner in the dying minutes on a day where Karmichael Hunt extended his education with a solid performance in the midfield opposed to Morningside great David Lillico, but also got reported.

The Panthers had their chances to win the game at the finish but couldn’t penetrate the GC SUNS defence, which was led superbly by Jack Hutchins.

The GC SUNS Reserves won 12.10 (82) to 12.8 (80) after scores were level at three-quarter-time.

GC SUNS coach Shaun Hart was delighted with his side’s victory.

“The thing we talked to our group about before the game was that we had not performed well against the two Sydney teams. We didn’t respond very well to the physical and mental pressure they applied,” Hart said. “We told them today that Morningside were another strong opponent who would hunt our bodies and the players responded to the challenge magnificently.

‘It was a good game of football and all credit to Morningside. There were some really good marks and goals, and the lead changed four or five times in the last quarter.”

The GC SUNS opted for a spare man in defence from the start, with Hutchins playing the role cleverly at various times, but they could score a solitary behind in the opening term.

They booted five goals with the aid of a slight breeze in the second quarter to grab a two-goal lead at the main break, before the Panthers hit back.

Hutchins fearlessly backed into packs and constantly thwarted Panthers attacking raids, while Joel Wilkinson made life tough for full-forward Shaun Mugavin, notwithstanding the extra bodies in the defensive 50.

With Charlie Dixon engaging in an entertaining duel with Panthers ace Kent Abey and Joel Tippett shoring up the other tall defensive position, the GC SUNS were always going to make scoring difficult for Morningside.

While Dixon won the majority of the one-on-one duels with Abey, the Panthers co-captain never stopped presenting and took a number of big marks.

Dixon went forward in the last quarter to try and provide a marking target for the GC SUNS, but was well held by Caleb Brown, who did his State chances no harm at all.

Hunt went head-to-head with former State captain Lillico and while he won plenty of ball, Lillico was also most prominent for the visitors.

Hunt and Joey Daye were both reported after crashing into players in separate incidents, and will wait to see what the match review panel determines on Tuesday morning.

The GC SUNS combination was one of their best of the season, so while disappointed, the Panthers still walked away from the game knowing they are getting better and better.

The hard-running, skilful Adam Spackman continued his outstanding form at half-back and on the ball, giving plenty of spark and kicking two goals.

Peter Mollison again showed some good signs in the ruck while Tom Bell and Damien Bonney gave their side plenty of run.

The win put the GC SUNS a game clear of Aspley and Morningside in third place going into the bye weekend for the State game. 

Visit neafl.com.au for the GC SUNS Reserves fixture and ladder.