The Gold Coast SUNS compiled an impressive win over the Sydney Swans Reserves in the NEAFL on Saturday, coming from behind to win by 28 points.
It’s the second win straight for the SUNS in the NEAFL after accounting for second-placed Southport prior to the bye.
Forward Josh Corbett had a day out in Blacktown, kicking six goals from 17 disposals and 13 marks.
It was Corbett’s first win in SUNS colours and the 23-year-old told SUNS Media post-match it was pleasing to find form after playing seven AFL games this year.
“(It was a) really pleasing win, first one for the club personally for me and a few other boys,” Corbett said.
“It was a bit of a slow start, first quarter we were a little bit poor.
“But second quarter and onwards we really kicked into gear thanks to some hard grunt work in the midfield and the likes of Jacob Heron and Jacob Dawson down back really got us going.”
After being held goalless in his last four AFL matches, Corbett said it was nice to break the shackles with a big haul.
“I’ve been working really hard on my goalkicking, I’ve had the yips for about six weeks now,” he said.
“So it was pleasing to get a bit of reward for all the effort.
“But I can’t take all the glory, the boys were really good and the midfield hit up really well today and made my job pretty easy, all I had to do was go back and put it through the sticks which I was lucky enough to do today.
“Hopefully we can build onto further good football.”
Exciting draftee Izak Rankine made his long-anticipated return to football in the match and had eight disposals and a goal in limited game-time.
Corbett said the 19-year-old’s enthusiasm was infectious out on the field after he put through his set-shot goal.
“That first goal he kicked, I tell you what he celebrated like it was Christmas,” Corbett joked.
“I couldn’t be happier for him, he’s had a really tough start to his AFL career and hopefully with some more building he’ll be in the senior side in the next few weeks and will be able to show everyone else what his potential is.”
Rankine had been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the JLT Series and told SUNS Media post-match he was excited to be back on the field.
“It felt pretty good after 16 and a half weeks of rehab… I got handed a goal but ended up slotting it and everyone got around me and it felt good,” Rankine said.
“I felt like I was back in my draft days getting picked up so I was happy just to be playing footy again and be out on the field kicking snags
“I had fun and we were lucky enough to get the win as well.”
“I was pretty happy with my body and where I’m at now so yeah excited for next week and the future.”
The SUNS are currently equal-sixth on the NEAFL ladder but after back-to-back wins against top-four sides are well-placed for a strong finish to the season to be in contention for a finals campaign.
