The Gold Coast SUNS reserves almost mirrored the seniors in their round one loss to the University of Western Sydney in Blacktown on Saturday.
 
After a competitive opening term at Blacktown International Sportspark, the Giants dominated the second quarter by kicking 5.6 to 1.1 to open a six-goal buffer at the main break.
 
Josh Fraser’s side bounced back strongly after half-time booting five unanswered goals, before UWS regained the ascendancy and cruised to a 31-point victory.
 
Following an injury interrupted pre-season, Aaron Hall crafted another strong performance to finish with 31 possessions and two goals.
 
Fraser lauded Hall’s ability to impact the game across the ground; highlighted by his five inside 50s and five rebound 50s.
 
“Mainly with ball in hand, he was really damaging. (He was) probably our best player on the day. When he had the ball in hand he just created something for us. He was really impressive,” Fraser told goldcoastfc.com.au on Monday afternoon.
 
Trent McKenzie was the surprise omission from the seniors following their disappointing round one performance against Melbourne on Easter Saturday.
 
The damaging left-footer rebounded strongly to his demotion, gathering 22 possessions across half-back and through the middle of the ground.
 
“Trent came back, led well, played a bit through the midfield and gave us some really good drive through some clearances at times. He came back and he worked pretty hard,” Fraser said.
 
Another player knocking on the door for a recall to Rodney Eade’s 22 is livewire small forward Brandon Matera. The West Australian was one of the SUNS best players in the round one loss, booting three goals and collecting 19 possessions.
 
Against quality opposition in Giants pair Tom Downie and Rory Lobb, Gold Coast ruckman Tom Nicholls gave his side first use of the ball, commanding the ruck duel throughout the day. He was well supported by Keegan Brooksby, and is mounting a strong case for senior selection following a couple of dominant performances in the NEAFL.
 
UWS Giants     3.4    8.10   13.14   17.18 (120)
Gold Coast       2.3     3.4      10.4       14.5 (89)

Goals: B. Matera 3, A. Hall 2, J. Hall, J. Butler, C. Marsden, L. Herbert, P. Wright, R. Blood, D. Gorringe, T. Downie, T. McKenzie
Best:  A. Hall, B. Matera, H. Schade, T. McKenzie, A. Raines, J. Glenn