A disappointing second half fadeout against Sydney on Friday night could come back to bite the Gold Coast SUNS reserves, with the race to the finals heating up in the dying stages of the season.
 
Josh Fraser’s side had control of the game in the opening half, booting five goals to two in the second quarter to open up an 18-point buffer at the main break. But from there, it fell apart with the Swans finishing the more hungrier of the two sides on the back of a four goal to one final term to run out victors 10.8 (67) to 8.8 (56).
 
Gold Coast has now fallen out of the top six to sit in eighth position with two games to go in the NEAFL season, and with injuries to key personnel in the senior side, the stocks might be depleted once again.
 
Danny Stanley continued his strong patch of form since returning from a medial ligament strain three weeks ago by gathering 37 possessions, ten clearances and four inside 50s in a comprehensive performance.
 
Another man with plenty of senior experience was also a key contributor in the loss, with Greg Broughton dictating play from backwards of centre. The dour defender finished with 33 disposals, ten marks, six tackles and four rebound 50s to put his hand up for a recall to Rodney Eade’s side.
 
Henry Schade responded emphatically to being left out of the senior side with a commanding performance against the Swans at the SCG. The key defender collected 29 touches, nine marks and five rebound 50s to play a key role in the 11-point loss.
 
SYDNEY 1.3 3.4 6.6 10.7 (67)
GOLD COAST 1.2 6.4 7.6 8.8 (56)

GOALS – Sydney: L Behagg 2 J Kelly 2 D Towers 2 S McLaren A Davis J Hiscox L Perris. Gold Coast: J Ellis 2 Z Smith 2 T Jones D Stanley B Scheer S Fahey.
BEST – Sydney: D Towers H Marsh Z Jones A Davis X Richards T Derickx. Gold Coast: G Broughton D Stanley J Glenn H Schade A Raines.