The Northern Suns are on the board after a stunning come from behind win over the Central Giants in round 4 of the AFL New Zealand Premiership.
The game couldn’t have got off to a worse start from the Suns as the Giants piled on 4 goals in the first quarter and held the Suns scoreless until the quarter time break.
Suns forward Will Dickinson got them on the scoreboard early in the second as he kicked back to back goals.
Defenders Caleb Macpherson and Paul Hogan worked hard in the second quarter to keep the Giants to only 1 goal.
It was an even contest after the half time break and both sides went goal for goal. Giants ruckman Kirk Murray was strong once again and was teaming nicely with the in form Troy Brown.
Trailing by 9 points at three quarter time, the Suns were fired up and knew they were in with a chance of winning the game.
James Considine kicked the first goal after 60 seconds and the Suns were back to a 3 point margin.
They continued to chip away and back to back goals with 5 minutes pushed them in front before Lewis Gill sealed with victory with the final goal of the game right on full time.
With their confidence high, the Suns move onto the Western Crows in Round 5 and will be aiming for back to back wins.
The hero:
Round 2 rising star Reef Bainbridge had a breakout game with a best on ground performance for the Suns. His hard running through the middle of ground and second and third efforts helped the Suns get back in the game.
The support cast:
Liam Beattie was back to his dazzling best in the midfield while James Considine and Lewis grabbed 3 and 2 goals respectively playing up front in the forward line.
The consolation effort:
Tyrone Stubbs was awarded the Rising Star award last week and continued his good form in round 4 with a best on ground performance for the Giants. Strong around the contest, Stubbs gave it his all in a losing side.
Say what?
“The first quarter was a tough watch but following that, everything that we have been talking about and working on clicked into place and it was great to see the side come away with the win.” Adem Manderovic, Northern Suns Head Coach.
“We fell a bit flat after the second quarter but the Suns wanted the footy more than us today and well done on the win.” Izaak Willliams, Giants Head Coach.
Goal Scorers:
Northern Suns: James Considine 3, Lewis Gill 2, Will Dickinson 1, Dave Abetz 1, Pete Rodgers 1, Heta Scarf-Matthews 1
Central Giants: Declan Crann 2, Tyrone Stubbs 1, Toby Devine 1, Elliot Bennetts 1, Kirk Murray 1
Best on ground:
Northern Suns: Reef Bainbridge
Central Giants: Tyrone Stubbs
