The Gold Coast SUNS have fallen short 12.6 (78) to 9.7 (61) against Sydney in Friday’s match simulation at the SCG.

Gold Coast lead from the front for majority of the afternoon before the Swans edged ahead in the final term. 

All available SUNS gained valuable match minutes and put Rhyce Shaw’s system to the test including 11 new recruits who had their first taste of AFLW football.

Deployed across the first half of the match, young SUNS Ava Usher and Havana Harris delivered up forward while experienced defender Clara Fitzpatrick stood tall. 

Midfield duo Charlie Rowbottom and Lucy Single were reliably influential with the SUNS co-captain put to work across all four quarters.

Across the ground, the squad’s chemistry was a standout Assistant Coach Sam Iles shared. 

“Having quite a new group from a list standpoint, I was really happy with chemistry and the connection between the girls on field,” Iles said.

“We were also really happy with the growth of the group to play against a good opposition and put into place what we what we've worked on over the over prep period and then over pre-season.

“We scored pretty well and then our defence and growth areas that we'd been working on held us in good stead.”

The SUNS return to Carrara to take on the GWS Giants on Saturday, 18 July in preparation for Round 1.