Prior to the game this week we spoke to the team about the type of players coaches look for when selecting a senior AFL team.

Mick Malthouse answered this question by stating that he chose players according to how much they could be trusted week-to-week to consistently provide the level of effort and performance required. 

This became the individual and team challenge for the day on the back of an excellent effort last week.

Kicking into a moderate breeze in the first quarter our boys won plenty of contested footy and were able to move the ball with precision.

Rory Thompson at fullback was completely blanketing Southport’s most dangerous forward Cleve Hughes and every other defender provided rebounding offence, which often resulted in swift, full ground ball movement to produce several shots on goal.

Rex Liddy and Taylor Hine were well on top on the wings and our ability to play tempo footy late and maintain our 3-goal lead to quarter time was super.

Early in the second term we dominated the centre bounce clearances with Harris, Bennell and Liddy prominent. While some of our ball use inside 50 was wasteful, our good entries saw Charlie Dixon launch at the ball or use his body well to mark and start to take the game into his own hands.

He kicked 3 for the quarter. The last 10 minutes of the half was the disappointing part of the day. Our defensive pressure dropped away and a couple of undisciplined acts saw our lead cut from 40+ to 26 points.

At half time the message delivered to the players was that they had worked superbly for 50 minutes to get to a position of having their foot on the throat of the opposition but had not finished the job.

The team was asked for fast footy to be played in offence, a lift in decision-making around stoppages and for spoils and turnovers to be the evidence of better defence.

The third quarter had to be seen to be believed. All parts of our game plan were executed well. We dominated possession and were efficient with the football.

Charlie Dixon kicked 5 for the quarter and Nathan Ablett snared 2 as he continued his good form of late.

Bennell and Liddy penetrated with their run and carry with the big Toms, Hickey and Nicholls, feeding a hungry midfield beautifully. 11 goals against the breeze was reward for a disciplined team approach.

Two goals late in the final quarter helped our reserves secure a 95-point win after a lacklustre final term. Rex Liddy continued to find the footy at will and Charlie Dixon completed one of the best games seen at the Gold Coast SUNS since the birth of the club.

Rory Thompson held his ex-AFL listed opponent to 1 goal in another fine performance and Nathan Krakouer and Josh Toy finished off very handy games.

Next week is the ultimate current test for our NEAFL GC SUNS. Last time we met Sydney Swans reserves team they gave us a lesson in what organised and contested footy is. We were badly beaten. I believe we have improved. On Saturday we will find out how much.

Thanks always for your support. A special mention to our colourful cheer squad at the Sharks game Saturday. Even had the song going from their vehicle after the game. You Rock or should I say “you are HOT”.

Go SUNS,
Shaun Hart