The Gold Coast SUNS reserves nearly pulled off a phenomenal upset against premiership fancies NT Thunder at Metricon Stadium on Saturday morning.
With a finals position still on the radar, Josh Fraser’s side nearly did their finals chances a world of good despite a depleted outfit that boasted just 11 listed players.
The SUNS were right in the game in the final quarter before being outclassed by the Thunder to go down 14.13 (97) to 13.10 (88).
Experienced midfielder Danny Stanley returned from a six-game absence to put his hand up for a recall to the senior side with a strong performance. The big-bodied onballer collected 33 possessions, seven clearances and five inside 50s to be one of Gold Coast’s best players.
Mature-aged rookie Tyrone Downie was superb in the loss, booting five goals to demonstrate his class at NEAFL level. The Bendigo product spent time through the middle of the ground where he collected 23 possessions to go with haul of goals.
Jarrod Garlett made a successful return to football after overcoming an ankle reconstruction that appeared to end his maiden season back in round five. The talented West Australian finished with 12 disposals and five inside 50s.
Brisbane awaits Gold Coast this Saturday in a must win game if the SUNS are going to feature in September.
NT THUNDER 1.2 6.6 11.8 14.13 (97)
GOLD COAST 4.4 8.6 12.6 13.10 (88)
GOALS – NT Thunder: D Ewing 5 G Turner 2 C Dunne 2 J Lockwood 2 J Miles N Vea Vea C Ilett. Gold Coast: T Downie 5 L Herbert B Scheer C Filewood D Mutu A Raines P Wright Z Smith H Kiel.
BEST – NT Thunder: C Ilett R Tambling B Rioli S Talbot J Lockwood N Vea Vea. Gold Coast: D Stanley T Downie J Joyce Z Smith L Herbert.
