The Gold Coast SUNS have continued their storming run home in the NEAFL with a dominant victory over the Giants at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A five-goal opening term set the tone for the SUNS and proved too much for the Giants as Gold Coast cruised to a 14.13 (97) to 6.5 (41) victory.
George Horlin-Smith was one of the best afield, leading Gold Coast through the midfield with 38 disposals, eight clearances and six inside 50s.
He was supported at the coalface by Sam Fletcher (31 disposals) and Brad Scheer (28).
Ruckman Tom Nicholls won the ruck battle (42 hitouts) and was influential around the ground with 21 disposals, seven tackles and nine clearances.
Peter Wright supported in the ruck with 23 hitouts and kicked 2.2 from 13 disposals and five marks.
In his second NEAFL match since returning from injury Izak Rankine kicked two goals with some dazzling play and finished with 14 disposals.
NEAFL Coach Nick Malceski said he was proud of his side’s efforts to end the year on a high note.
“The main message was to empty the tank and we knew GWS was going to be strong but we were really pleased with result,” Malceski told SUNS Media.
“We really concentrated on the contested footy again which has been a baseline for us as a NEAFL group and as a club.
“I’m really proud of their efforts and I’ve loved every moment of it this year working with the boys so I’m really looking forward to next year.”
FINAL SCORE
GOLD COAST 5.3 8.6 11.10 14.13 (97)
GWS 2.1 3.4 4.4 6.5 (41)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Corbett 3, Wright 2, Schoenfeld 2, Nutting 2, Rankine 2, McDonald, Koenen, Davies
GWS: Sproule (2), Squire, Barzen, Sheridan, Grant
BEST
Gold Coast: Horlin-Smith, Corbett, Fletcher, Nicholls, Wright
GWS: Hately, Sheridan, Briggs, Shipley, Caldwell
