Suns pip Bombers at Gold Coast
A rushed-behind on the siren has enabled Gold Coast to complete a one-point comeback AFL pre-season win over Essendon on Monday night.
The Suns overcame a 25-point halftime deficit to claim a 1.11.15 (90) to 0.13.11 (89) victory over the Bombers in humid conditions at Metricon Stadium.
Substitute Sam Day sparked the Suns’ second-half fightback, coming into the game at halftime and capping an impressive third quarter with two goals.
Suns’ skipper Gary Ablett also booted a nine-point super-goal in the third term as the Suns closed within nine points at the final change.
Andrew Boston’s snap in the fourth-quarter reduced the margin to just one before Boston put the Suns in front with his second from a free-kick inside the 50.
A late Patrick Ryder effort appeared to have snatched the win for the Bombers but in a dramatic finish, Ablett’s booming kick across the goals from outside 50 was scrambled over the line for the match-winning point.
Matt Shaw, Josh Hall, Boston and Day all kicked two goals for the Suns, while Ben Howlett and Jake Carlisle had three majors for the Bombers.
David Zaharakis had a game-high 43 disposals while Brownlow Medallist Ablett picked up 31 to top the disposals chart for the Suns.
Both teams lost a player to injury during the match with Suns recruit Sean Lemmens’ debut cut-short due to a shoulder injury while Essendon youngster Alex Browne was subbed off late in the first quarter after injuring his leg.
The Suns’ next match is against local rivals Brisbane in Townsville on Sunday while the Bombers host Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium next Tuesday.