Before the SUNS took on the Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the two clubs’ reserves played a scratch match on the adjacent training field. 

While no scores were kept, SUNS Media have broken down some key takeaways from the match.

Rankine returns:
Returning for his first competitive hit-out in nearly a year, Izak Rankine flashed in the forward line for the SUNS. He was a constant handful for Adelaide’s under-siege defence and showed some moments of brilliance with the football to hit the scoreboard multiple times.

The former pick 3 played all four quarters and got through unscathed. He was lively around the ground and even had stints in the midfield for the SUNS where he was able to impact. It’s promising signs for the 20-year-old who has been made to wait to make his AFL debut, and if he continues to train well he’ll be putting his hand up for senior selection.

SUNS dominant around stoppages:
Gold Coast’s midfield brigade was simply too powerful for Adelaide. Zac Smith was a workhorse in the ruck and was able to give the SUNS midfielders first use of the football which was all they needed to run riot.

Will Brodie was strong in the contest and won plenty of clearances while Sam Fletcher, Josh Schoenfeld and Sean Lemmens were all impactful inside. Jeremy Sharp, Jacob Heron and Jordan Murdoch were all given time on the wing and were valuable support to clear the ball and generate inside 50’s. 

Forwards make their presence felt:
Along with Rankine, there were a number of other impressive performances in the forward line. Peter Wright was a constant threat up front and finished with multiple goals while Sam Flanders, Josh Corbett, Jy Farrar and Sean Lemmens all chipped in too. 

The delivery Gold Coast received inside 50 was outstanding as the midfielders continued to dominate and the defenders were able to rebound effectively. Some set shot misses were the only dampener on the performance but overall it was an extremely positive hit-out for the SUNS.