An on-ball brigade featuring the likes of Dion Prestia, Michael Rischitelli, Mitch Hallahan, Jarrod Harbrow and Alex Sexton would match it with most midfields in the AFL.

Put them against a NEAFL side in Southport Sharks and their polish and talent proved a class above, dominating the clearances and finding plenty of the Sherrin throughout to lead Gold Coast to a 109-point victory in a practice match at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.

The SUNS came charging out of the blocks, opening up a 38-point lead at the first break whilst holding the Sharks scoreless to essentially kill off the game.

Gold Coast wasted some opportunities in the second quarter, booting 2.5 to lead by 49 points at half-time before extending that margin to 77 points at three-quarter time, eventually running out to a 18.15 (123) to 2.2 (14) win.



Tyrone Downie made his first appearance in GC SUNS colours with the playing group getting around him prior to the game. Their support inspired ‘Tigga’, with the Bendigo Gold product booting two goals in the opening quarter.

The boys get around @tyronedownie4 in his first appearance in SUNS colours. #gcsuns pic.twitter.com/MT7JrvkGs1 — GC SUNS (@GoldCoastSUNS) March 13, 2015

2014 draftees Touk Miller and Jarrod Garlett were terrier-like in the forward line, chasing hard and tackling ferociously at every opportunity as they continue to push their cases for a round one berth in Rodney Eade’s side.



In his first game back after off-season groin surgery, Aaron Hall had a high number of disposals, shaking off some early rust to be a solid contributor in the second half. Steven May was also serviceable in his first game for 2015, providing an imposing presence across the back 50 and drifting forward at every opportunity.

Gold Coast finished the game with 15 different goalkickers in a performance that brought out plenty of positives heading into Friday’s night’s final NAB Challenge game against the Brisbane Lions.



GC SUNS 6.2 8.7 12.11 18.15 (123)

Southport Sharks 0.0 1.0 2.1 2.2 (14)

GOALS: Downie 2, Matera 2, Sexton 2, Hallahan, Gorringe, Herbert, Harbrow, Glenn, Boston, Ellis, Rischitelli, McKenzie, Garlett, Broughton, Brooksby

BEST: Hallahan, McKenzie, Sexton, Prestia, Rischitelli, Harbrow