The Gold Coast SUNS reserves were brought crashing back to earth with a thud after being dominated by the University of Western Sydney Giants at Metricon Stadium on Saturday morning.
The Giants demonstrated why they sit on top of the NEAFL ladder with a 130-point win over the SUNS. Although the personnel discrepancy was a clear factor, with UWS having 20 listed players compared to Josh Fraser’s side who had just 11.
Harley Bennell’s return to football was one of the few positives to come out of the game with the star midfielder collecting 37 possessions, seven inside 50s, six rebound 50s and six clearances in the routing.
Key defender Henry Schade’s return from a hip injury also went smoothly with the Tasmanian gathering 20 disposals, ten marks and six rebound 50s, as well as nullifying Jon Patton late in the game after the former No. 1 draft pick had already booted seven goals.
Andrew Raines continued to lead by example with another workmanlike performance against the Giants. The veteran midfielder finished with 23 possessions, five marks and five inside 50s.
On the injury front, full back Jack Leslie injured has partially torn his Achilles tendon, essentially drawing his season to a close given he will spend the next two months on the sidelines.
UWS GIANTS 6.0 11.8 18.15 23.20 (158)
GOLD COAST 2.6 2.8 2.8 3.10 (28)
GOALS
UWS Giants: J Patton 7 J Stewart 4 S Reid 3 J Pickett 2 D Addison H Himmelberg J Lamb T Bugg A Kennedy J Townsend C Marchbank.
Gold Coast: L Herbert H Bennell E Reeves.
BEST
UWS Giants: N Wilson C Marchbank P Ahern J Patton J Stewart J Finlayson.
Gold Coast: H Schade H Bennell A Raines J Martin T Downie.
NEAFL: UWS bring SUNS back to earth
The reserves were brought crashing back to earth with a thud after being dominated by the UWS.
