Tom Lynch has led Gold Coast to a comfortable 25-point NAB Challenge victory over the Brisbane Lions, but the result was secondary as both teams fielded very inexperienced line-ups.
Lynch, who captained the SUNS in Gary Ablett's absence, kicked three goals as the SUNS extended an eight-point half-time lead to run out 0.9.14 (68) to 0.6.7 (43) winners at Burpengary's Moreton Bay Sports Complex on Sunday.
Former West Coast winger Matt Rosa fitted in nicely in his first game in SUNS colours, racking up 19 disposals and showing the class and composure Gold Coast recruited him for.
In the absence of midfielders Ablett, David Swallow, Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia, Jesse Lonergan thrived with 23 disposals (16 contested and 10 clearances), while ruckman Tom Nicholls was strong both at the contest and around the ground. Rookie Darcy MacPherson, whose praises have been sung by coach Rodney Eade during the pre-season, was prominent with 10 tackles and a goal.
While Lynch was clearly the dominant forward on the ground in the absence of veteran Lions full-back Daniel Merrett, his sidekick Peter Wright showed he could also be in for a big 2016.
In just his second season, Wright used his noticeably improved strength to kick one goal, take four marks (two contested) and finish with 11 disposals to show Sam Day he would have his hands full taking the second key forward spot.
Touk Miller (16 touches) and Aaron Hall (15) also thrived with their extra responsibility in the midfield.
The Lions started positively, leading by a point in hot and blustery conditions at quarter-time, but really dropped off as the game wore on.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Gold Coast: Even without their best four midfielders, the SUNS have improved around the contest. They comfortably won the contested possessions (148-115) and clearances (42-29) led by Jesse Lonergan, who had 23 disposals, of which 16 were contested and 10 clearances. Peter Wright has thrown down a serious challenge to Sam Day as the second key forward alongside Tom Lynch with an impressive showing. Wright looks stronger, is holding his feet better and is moving more fluently than his debut season.
NEW FACES
Gold Coast: Former West Coast winger Matt Rosa (19 disposals) was everything the SUNS would hope for in his first game – busy, efficient and composed. Former Kangaroo Dan Currie was also excellent in his first game, feasting in his time in the ruck against the Lions' back-ups and showing he'd push Tom Nicholls for the top job. Rookie Darcy MacPherson was a ball of energy in the forward line, kicking a nice goal and pressuring like a terrier. He finished with 12 disposals and 10 tackles and would be in-line for a promotion if injury struck the SUNS. No.8 draft pick Callum Ah Chee took a contested mark at the top of the goalsquare in a polished performance, while Ryan Davis kicked a nice goal and Tom Keough defended strongly on young Lion Eric Hipwood.
BRISBANE LIONS 0.3.1 0.3.5 0.4.9 0.6.7 (43)
GOLD COAST 0.2.6 0.4.7 0.7.11 0.9.14 (68)
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Taylor, Mathieson, Hipwood, Hammelmann, Clayton, Walker
Gold Coast: Lynch 3, MacPherson, Davis, Ah Chee, Wright, Miller, Hall
BEST
Brisbane Lions: Robinson, Bell, Mathieson, Taylor
Gold Coast: Lonergan, Miller, Nicholls, Lynch, Rosa, Hall
INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Fisher, Hosking, Mollison, Fleer
Official crowd: 3807 at Moreton Bay Sports Complex (Burpengary)
