Crossley boots his side to success

BRAYDEN Crossley lost the battle in the ruck before leading the Suns to a win over Southport in the NEAFL with a five-goal haul following a shift into the forward line.

Crossley was being outclassed at stoppages by outgoing Sharks ruckman Fraser Thurlow during an opening half that left the Suns trailing by 20 points at the main break.

Malceski sent Crossley to the forward line in the second term and while Peter Wright equalled Thurlow’s influence around the ground, Crossley began pulling Gold Coast back into a game they went on to win 14.9 (93) to 12.7 (79)

“I thought Thurlow got on top of him in the midfield, especially in the first half,” Suns coach Nick Malceski said.

Crossley drew admiration from around the AFL for his physicality and energy between Round 7 and 9.

Malceski said the 18-yearold galvanised the group and lifted the performances those around him.

“He really galvanises the team and he did that in the seniors as well with his energy,” Malceski said.

“The senior guys were all talking about how well he gels the group together and people feed off his energy.

“It’s great for our young guys, especially our academy players because he is one of the blokes to have come through our academy.”