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Those able to get to Metricon stadium for the early bounce against GWS experienced an entertaining game of footy from a committed and determined Gold Coast SUNS reserves side.
Whilst GWS, were missing several of their better players, our reserves team demonstrated what they are capable of when they execute all of the key parts of the modern game to plan.
Our discipline around stoppages, bold & fast offensive ball movement and urgent defensive transition including outstanding frontal tackling pressure were evident throughout from the whole team.
My message to the team prior to the opening bounce was that Respect = Honesty & Hardness.
After an early season performance against the Giants which lacked the honest effort and competitive courage we pride ourselves on, our boys were keen to square the ledger and show our southern rivals what we can achieve with genuine commitment.
By quarter time we had registered six goals to one with Nathan Krakouer and Josh Caddy leading a midfield group that was dominating its opposition.
Marc Lock snapped two goals while at the other end of the field, our defenders were all winning their 1v1 contests.
Jack Hutchins had the difficult task and did a great job at keeping Israel Folau, who kicked six goals the previous week out of the contest.
At the half time break we had slightly increased our lead due mainly to GWS continually moving players into our forward half to try and stop our easy scoring shots.
At one stage they only had two players up forward for a centre bounce.
Charlie Dixon once again began to assert his authority in the air while Liam Patrick and Jacob Gillbee had the ball on a string.
Sam Michael, one of our academy players also impressed in the ruck, up against much bigger opponents.
Four goals in five minutes to start the second half blew the game apart and with our confidence up and execution on song, we were able to put GWS away by a massive Ninety seven points.
Our best six players included:
Jacob Gillbee – ‘Popeye’, the number 48 draft pick from last year returned from injury and racked up strong possessions as well as tackles all day, he is one of only a few players not to debut in 2011 but may still play in the last two rounds.
Look out for him, a clever small forward who never gives in.
Taylor Hine – Another fine effort from him through the midfield with numerous disposals and heaps of superb tackles, marks and contested footy wins.
Nathan Krakouer – Looked above the level when he had the ball in his hands and provided great clearance power.
Marc Lock - played his best game finishing with 6 goals. The captain increased his work rate in offence and defence and was rewarded nicely.
Liam Patrick – Played a combination of excellent 1v1 defence and broke the game open with many long offensive runs. Might be close to a recall for senior footy.
Sam Michael – Young academy and Redlands player who competed incredibly in the ruck against much bigger and more experienced players. Kicked two goals and took several strong marks.
I really hope we get a big GC SUNS crowd to our 1st final against Mt Gravatt at Redlands AFC, Coulburn Ave Victoria Point this weekend, the game starts at 2pm
As always, thanks for your RED HOT support.
Go SUNS, Harty.
