After a disappointing first half in Cairns on Saturday nights, the SUNS were eventually defeated by the Western Bulldogs to the tune of 48 points.
The SUNS were simply outclassed in the midfield and went into the main break down by 42 points, the game essentially over.
“We didn't stick to instructions and it was a really disappointing first half, but I thought we fought it out pretty well considering we didn't have much run in the side,” coach Rodney Eade told the media post-match.
"I think full credit to the whole team for the way they hung in there."
Although Gold Coast didn’t come away with the win, vice-captains and bookends Tom Lynch and Steven May stood tall at either end of the ground.
Along with booting three goals, Lynch took 11 marks, six of which were inside 50. His leadership on field was tangible, and exactly what the Gold Coast need heading into the latter parts of the season.
May’s leadership also shone bright with the key defender gathering the troops at half time and giving them a vocal rev-up before they headed into the rooms. May held emerging superstar Jake Stringer to just one goal in three quarters before the Bulldog was sidelined in the final term.
Youngster Callum Ah Chee was a bright spark up forward kicking two goals to go with his 17 possessions and four tackles, while at the other end Kade Kolodjashnij was integral to the back six, finishing the game with 23 disposals and 10 marks.
While Gold Coast was clearly beaten in the midfield, Touk Miller backed-up his QClash performance with 24 disposals, four clearances and five tackles to continue his rising form. Fellow midfielder Aaron Hall led the Gold Coast’s possession count on 29 disposals.
Who gets your votes in round 17?
Peter Wright was the Fans MVP after QClash in round 17, with Touk Miller not far behind. The pair took out 29 and 22 votes a piece respectedly. Tom Lynch is still well-and-truly leading the poll this season, on 269 votes so far.
Round 16 v Brisbane
Peter Wright- 29 votes
Touk Miller - 22 votes
Jack Martin - 14 votes
Season Leaderboard
Tom Lynch - 269 votes
Gary Ablett - 207 votes
Aaron hall - 168 votes
