The Southport Sharks have overrun the Gold Coast SUNS reserves in the opening NEAFL practice match at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, winning by 17 points.

The NEAFL SUNS took just 22 players into the game against Southport’s 25, with the temperature reaching 30 degrees by late Saturday morning.



Gold Coast’s fatigue showed in the second half, with the Sharks taking home a 11.13 (79) to 9.8 (62) victory.

Newcomer Dan Currie was dominant in the ruck, often giving the SUNS midfielders first use of the ball at the centre bounce. But it was his one-percenters that made the former Kangaroo stand out.

Currie frequently drifted back to fill the hole, cutting off opposition attacking forays before Southport could take advantage. He harassed his opponents anytime the Sherrin was nearby, with his mammoth frame striking fear into any Sharks player that locked eyes with the 201cm man monster.

Currie’s efforts weren’t enough with former Collingwood and Fremantle forward Jack Anthony propelling the Sharks to victory with five goals.

First-year players Mackenzie Willis and Jesse Joyce accumulated plenty of leather while NEAFL captain Jamason Daniels showed plenty of zip any time he was near the footy.

Cam Loersch presented well and looked capable of kicking a big bag, but missed opportunities meant the South Fremantle product only booted the one goal when perhaps he should’ve had three or four.

Gold Coast SUNS 4.4 6.4 8.4 9.8 (62)

Southport Sharks 4.1 7.4 9.10 11.13 (79)

GOALS:

Garlett 2, Fiorini 2, Brain 2, Loersch, Tape, Malone

goldcoastfc.com.au’s BEST:

Currie, Joyce, Willis, Daniels, Tape