Coast home in on finals
THE Gold Coast Suns will put their hopes for a home final on the line this weekend after edging out rivals Brisbane Lions in what could become a season-defining win.
Gold Coast carried 11 AFL listed players into Saturday’s Round 20 game at the Gabba and together with some academy players recorded a stunning upset against a Lions team boasting 19 listed men.
Suns NEAFL coach Stephen Daniel praised the performance of the young team that went into the game fresh from a week of turmoil at the club following the sacking of senior coach Rodney Eade.
“It was one hell of a win,” Daniel said.
“The boys were terrific. It had been a very big week for our footy club so for us to get a win against a quality side like that was very impressive.”
It was a crucial win for the club’s premiership hopes and may be the difference between playing a first final at home or in Northern Territory.
Gold Coast moved into fourth on percentage ahead of NT Thunder and if they remain there after this weekend they will get a home final at Metricon Stadium.
A win over leaders Sydney Swans at home on Saturday or a win by Aspley over NT will ensure that scenario.
“We already know we are playing Northern Territory in first week of finals, it’s just a
matter of where,” Daniel said. “There is a bit more pres FREMANTLE sure on them.” Midfielder Mitch Hallahan (38 disposals) and forward Jarrad Grant (seven goals) led the way for Gold Coast against the Lions.
“They were both terrific,” Daniel said. “Both the boys led from the front. Mitch in particular – what an effort. He got omitted from the AFL side the week before and to come back and give us that sort of effort is a credit to him as a person.”
Suns academy player Jacob Dawson managed to keep inform Lions midfielder Rohan Bewick to just 15 disposals while running with him.
Southport folded in the last term in their match against Aspley at Graham Road on Saturday.
The Sharks were only 11 points doewn at three-quarter time before they stopped and were beaten 20.12 (132) to 13.9 (87) by the Hornets.
Seb Tape, Jesse Moffa and Jack O’Shea stood out for the Sharks who are now officially dead and buried as a finals chance.