The Gold Coast SUNS reserves held on for a gutsy two-point win over Brisbane in the NEAFL on Saturday afternoon, the team’s third victory in a row.

A seesawing battle saw the lead change several times throughout the day, with the SUNS’ 12-listed players able to overcome Brisbane’s 15, winning 14.15 (99) to 15.7 (97).

With scores tied at the 22-minute mark of the final term, Jesse Lonergan put the home side ahead with a behind. Cam Loersch missed a set shot from 50 metres out to give the SUNS a two-point lead with the Lions peppering their forward 50 in red time of the last quarter.

Jack Leslie took a big mark to repel an opposition foray at the 27-minute mark before play was stopped for three minutes with Jarrad Grant helped from the field after a heavy knock.

The Sherrin was deep inside the Lions’ forward arc when the final siren sounded, signalling one of the best wins for the reserves this season.



Mitch Hallahan started the game on fire, kicking two first quarter goals on his way to 22 touches and nine inside 50s for the day while Lonergan was prolific with 35 disposals in his first game back after glandular fever.

Leslie was again a rock down back, covering for the early loss of Henry Schade to finish with 16 disposals and five rebound 50s.

Jaeger O’Meara played three quarters of the game as he continued his return to football, finishing with 15 disposals and a classy goal.



Top-up Isaac Franks was outstanding with four goals while Academy players Jack Bowes (19 disposals, seven tackles, one goal), Jacob Dawson (19 disposals), Brad Scheer (24 disposals, eight inside 50s) and Max Spencer (15 disposals) all contributed well for the SUNS.


GOLD COAST 4.3 6.6 12.11 14.15 (99)
BRISBANE 3.1 8.5 12.5 15.7 (97)

GOALS
Gold Coast: I Franks 4 M Hallahan 2 J Williams 2 J Grant 2 S Davidson 2 J Bowes J O’Meara
Brisbane: J Walker 4 J Rolls 2 L Dawson 2 M Close A Smith J Watts N Robertson J Freeman J Clayton B Keays

BEST
Gold Coast: M Hallahan J Leslie J Lonergan J Grant J Dawson
Brisbane: J Paine J Walker A Smith B Keays J Clayton N Robertson