A Gold Coast SUNS reserves team featuring just nine listed players have been overpowered by the Giants in their round seven NEAFL clash at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon, losing by 71 points.
When the sides met in round four, the SUNS were victorious by 24 points but had 15 listed players in the 22. The gulf in class just three weeks later was evident, with the home side running away with the game after quarter time.
Rookie Jesse Joyce was one of Gold Coast’s best, collecting 21 disposals whilst looking poised with Sherrin in hand. The SUNS Academy product also had eight rebound 50s and has been in good form in the reserves.
16-year-old Academy prospect Brayden Crossley, standing at 197.5cm, was extremely competitive in the ruck against Giants listed pair Dawson Simpson (210cm) and Tom Downie (201cm). While Crossley was beaten in the hitouts, he was solid around the ground with 21 disposals and is one to watch for the future.
Luke Russell had 33 disposals for the SUNS while mature-aged rookie Ryan Davis booted two goals to go with 22 possessions and 11 tackles.
GIANTS 3.0 10.4 14.8 18.10 (118)
GOLD COAST 2.4 3.6 6.9 6.11 (47)
GOALS
Giants: J Stewart 5, T Downie 3, D Lloyd 3, M Flynn, P De La Mare, C Owen-Auburn, S Reid, D Simpson, J Barrett, M Edwards
Gold Coast: R Davis 2, I Franks 2, J Garlett, R LeFeuvre
BEST
Giants: A Tomlinson, T Downie, D Lloyd, H Himmelberg, P McKenna, M Kennedy
Gold Coast: B Kaufman, M Willis, L Russell, B Crossley, J Joyce
