Jacob Gillbee made a solid return in his first NEAFL appearance for 2013 in the side’s 110-point loss to the Brisbane Lions reserves at Metricon Stadium yesterday afternoon.

Rookie-midfielder Andrew Boston was a shining light for the Gold Coast SUNS reserves, with the former Broadbeach Cats star finishing as the best-on-ground performer for the young and talented NEAFL side.  

Led by captain Danny Stanley, the Gold Coast SUNS reserves got off to a flying start against their NEAFL rivals north of the M1, with twin towers Tom Lynch and Daniel Gorringe providing strong leads inside-50 for the home-side as Lynch booted consecutive goals early in the opening term.

But it wasn’t long before the Lions began to show why they are the reigning NEAFL champions, with the GC SUNS conceding nine-goals in the second quarter as the majority of the football became contested in the Lion’s forward-half of the ground.

Lynch did his best to stop the bleeding for the NEAFL side as he ran into an open goal square to kick a much-needed goal for the team, while superboot Trent McKenzie made the local crowd rise to their feet as he delivered a booming 60m drop punt from the boundary line to find the goals in the dying minutes before the major break.

Post-match, Gillbee told goldcoastfc.com.au that it was great to lace up the boots again and taste competitive football after missing the opening two rounds of the season suspended.

“Definitely good to be back playing, it’s seemed like a long time watching on from the sidelines so it was good to get out there and play,” said Gillbee.

NEAFL coach Shaun Hart said Gillbee’s return would inject more run and carry through the centre circle.

“It’s been awhile since he’s been playing footy and it took awhile for him to get going but that’s understandable and he’ll be better for the run,” said Hart.

“I think we also get Timmy (Sumner) back as well this week so they’ll both be added to the squad which will help us compete for longer against Redland this week.”

FINAL SCORE:
NEAFL GC SUNS:               10.10 - 70
NEAFL Brisbane Lions:       28.12 - 180

Goal Kickers:
T. Lynch 3, D. Gorringe 2, A. Boston , H. Davidson , C. Hay , T. McKenzie , C. Haberfield

Best Players:
A. Boston, T. McKenzie, C. Hay, T. Lynch, K. Horsley, D. Stanley