The Gold Coast Suns have upset North Melbourne in a rainy affair at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
The Suns came from 31 points down early in the second term to grind out a 15 point win in attrocious conditions, proving that their home ground is quickly becoming a fortress in just their third year in the AFL.
The Roos started well despite the greasy conditions, booting the first four goals of the game as the Suns struggled to come to grips with the wet weather. North goal sneak Lindsey Thomas had a chance to put the Roos further ahead late but crucially hit the post with two consecutive shots.
North extended their lead to 31 early in the second term, kicking the first goal before the Suns clicked into gear dominating the rest of the quarter, booting four goals to take a slender 4 point half time lead.
With the rain teaming down it was hard for either team to score but Suns won the contested ball and locked the ball into their forward half kicking two goals to one in the third term to extend their lead to 11 points at the final change.
North looked like the might mount a charge early in the final term when Sam Gibson toe poked one through to get within a kick, but it would be Gary Ablett who would answer with the quick reply. A handy centre break allowed the little champ to run inside 50 and boot his second goal for the game.
When Luke Russell snapped a goal at the 20 minute mark, margin was out to an unassailable 18 points in the declining weather.
GOLD COAST – 0.1 – 5.6 – 7.7 – 9.12 (66)
NORTH MELBOURNE – 4.2 – 5.2 – 6.2 – 8.3 (51)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Ablett 2, Lynch 2, Russell, Hall, Shaw, Harbrow
North Melbourne: Thomas 2, Petrie 2, Black, Gibson, Wells
