The class of their senior listed players helped Suncoast to a crucial 29-point victory over
The win saw Suncoast jumped back into third spot on percentage from
The Sharks were not disgraced as gun spearhead Ben McEntee produced one of the best efforts of the season to boot seven goals out of 12 in a losing team.
But ultimately the brave visitors had no answer to the firepower of the Lions’ high profile players.
After being jumped early by four goals, the Sharks gradually worked their way back into the contest and trailed by just eight points entering time on of the third quarter.
That was when Chris Johnson, looking sharp and keen in his second match back from the foot problems that have plagued him all year, orchestrated two late goals.
The Sharks, with gutsy skipper Darren O’Brien, Dane Carmody and David James leading the way, threw everything at the Lions in the opening 10 minutes of the final term.
When McEntee kicked truly for his seventh and his side’s 11th, they were back within striking range, but the ensuing play said everything about the game.
Dual premiership ruckman Beau McDonald tapped the ball down to triple premiership player Johnson, who speared a pass onto the chest of rising star Mitchell Clark.
Johnson was electric with a lot of the things he did and is knocking strongly on the door of senior selection.
The Lions dominated the ruck contests with Cameron Wood in particular and McDonald giving their midfielders first use of the ball.
Marcus Allan and Scott Harding were also determined to let the selectors know they are in top form if an opening eventuates in the senior side, while Suncoast coach Craig Brittain was delighted with the leadership of veteran Chris Scott in his third match back from injury.
“The senior guys were fantastic,” Brittain said. “They were verbally and physically very good.
“Beau and Chris Scott and all the top level premiership players led from the front.
“When they do that, we very rarely play poorly.”
The top-up players also played their part for Suncoast.
Tiny 17-year-old Ben Weightman snared three goals to take his tally to 19 for the season, while
Richard Hadley played in bursts in the first half after a severe bout of gastro during the week, but sat out the remainder of the game.
McEntee was clearly the standout for the Sharks, although Daniel Hawkins worked hard in defence, and James, Carmody, Danny Wise and Mark Lynch all did well.
It was the closest any side had come to beating the Suncoast at the Gabba this year, but it was of little consolation to the reigning premiers, who nonetheless still are not out of the equation for a double chance at finals time.
