The Gold Coast Suns had played three matches, and taken three heavy beatings heading into their Round 5 clash with Port Adelaide. The Power's form has been less than convincing, but a last up win over Adelaide and home ground advantage suggested that Gold Coast were unlikely to do much better than a moderate beating on this trip. Well into the third quarter, the script was being dutifully followed as Port Adelaide led by 40 points.
However, led by captain Gary Ablett and number one draft pick David Swallow, the Suns stormed home with a six goal to one last quarter to steal the points. Even then, they had to endure a shot after the siren from Port's Justin Westhoff that could have left them empty-handed. But Westhoff's shot missed, and history was made. Questions that were being asked about the desire and commitment of Gold Coast stars like Ablett will again be directed at Port Adelaide. Although another loss to the Adelaide Crows will ensure that Port Adelaide are copping only part of the Adelaide heat.
Gold Coast can look forward to the rest of their debut season knowing they won't go winless, lifting a significant burden. In coming weeks they face Essendon, Brisbane and Adelaide. They will have suddenly realistic hopes of winning the last two of those matches after today's heroics.
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