The Gold Coast SUNS are through to the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final after an 88-73 win over a relentless Box Hill.
In a do or die clash with beautiful Gold Coast weather conditions, the minor-premiers proved too strong around the contest smashing the Hawks in the clearance battle 43-28.
The SUNS led from start to finish although the Hawks were able to rally the margin back to just five points early in the fourth term however an Alex Sexton goal (two for the match) at the 23rd minute mark of the quarter secured the club’s inaugural Grand Final appearance.
Ned Moyle dominated the ruck-battle both in the air and on the ground collecting nine-clearances to go with his 49-hitouts, 25 more than Box Hill’s total.
James Tsitas led the SUNS midfield with 24-disposals and eight-inside-50s whilst Alex Davies was in and under all day laying nine-tackles on top of a 23-disposal game.
Elijah Hollands (22 disposals and a goal), Charlie Constable (25), Connor Blakely (22) and Jeremy Sharp (19) all played pivotal roles in the SUNS’ Grand Final charge.
Big man Mabior Chol made his presence known inside-50 taking a game-high 11-marks whilst subsequently slotting five-majors.
Chris Burgess is enjoying a strong finals campaign with the two-time Frosty Miller medallist adding three-majors to his season tally.
His performance came after fellow Frosty Miller medallist Brodie McLaughlin was a late out for the match with a calf injury, replaced in the team by Nick Williams.
Pace was supplied all day through Hewago Oea and Jy Farrar who both accumulated 14-disposals.
Academy product and the youngest player (16 years old) on the field Leo Lombard was always on the move in the forward-50 collecting 12-disposals from six-marks.
SUNS Goals: Chol 5, Burgess 3, Sexton 2, Hollands 1, Faulkhead 1
