It has been a close contest the last four times Gold Coast and Aspley have met, but the SUNS ran away with an emphatic 127-point win this time around at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
The SUNS were were far too strong for the Hornets, where Cameron Loersch booted seven goals in a 25.13. (163) to 5.6 (36) victory.
It was a comprehensive win for the SUNS set up by an incredible start. The Gold Coast kicked the first 11 goals, with the Hornets unable to hit the scoreboard in the first half.
It didn’t take long in the second half for Aspley to finally hit the scoreboard, however, with Henry Joyce kicking a goal two minutes into the third quarter.
The Hornets came back after the main break with renewed energy, but with 16-AFL listed players the SUNS' dominance wouldn't waver.
Gold Coast coach Stephen Daniel was impressed with Loersch’s efforts.
“It was the best game he’s played this year,” he said.
“It was just great to see him launch at the football and take those big marks.”
The midfield was where the game was won though. Darcy Macpherson, returning from the AFL, kicked four goals to go with his 31 disposals.
Matt Shaw, also returning from the AFL side, was superb with 39 disposals and 11 marks.
Mitch Hallahan kept up his good form with another 32 disposals and Daniel Currie was sensational in the ruck, winning 50 hit-outs.
Daniel said he was “very happy” with how the midfield performed.
“They were exceptional,” he said.
“However, we were more excited by the way they played as team. It’s hard because our side changes week-in, week-out, so to have a bit of consistency is nice.
“Overall, we were really happy with the win and we get ready to play the Swans, who are the best team in the comp.”
The win means that Gold Coast have now over taken the Hornets on the ladder with a superior percentage, helped by this win.
It will be back to the drawing board for the Hornets who have now lost two of their last three matches by over 90 points.
Gold Coast travel south to take on Sydney Swans NEAFL team as a curtain raiser to the AFL game at the SCG next weekend.
Gold Coast SUNS v Aspley Hornets
GOLD COAST 5.6 11.10 20.11 25.13 (163)
ASPLEY 0.0 0.0 4.2 5.6 (36)
GOALS
Gold Coast: C Loersch 7 D Macpherson 4 T Nicholls 3 B Scheer 2 M Shaw 2 K Brooksby 2 J Schoenfeld M Rischitelli M Hallahan T Bowie W Brodie.
Aspley: O Baker E Barlow J Nelis J Ives H Joyce.
BEST
Gold Coast: M Hallahan D Macpherson C Loersch D Currie T McKenzie M Willis.
Aspley: O Baker E Barlow M Hutchinson J Daye.
