Quarter 1 – Melbourne 2.3.15 – GC 1.0.6
Another day of hot conditions confronted the Melbourne players for their final hit out of the preseason competition against the Suns on the Gold Coast. In a low scoring contest The Suns hit the scoreboard first with a remarkable goal from Gary Ablett kicking from 50 out hard up against the boundary line. Melbourne hit back midway through the term when Hogan out muscled his opponent and snapped one through from 30 meters out. The remainder of the quarter was a even affair with Gold Coast doing well to get numbers back in defense which made it difficult for the Demons to get value for their higher inside 50 count. New draftee Matt Jones kicked the final goal of the quarter after a 50 meter penalty made his conversion a gimme from straight in front. The Demons taking a nine point lead into the first break. Notable players for Melbourne during the first quarter were youngsters Jimmy Toumpass and Jesse Hogan.
Quarter 2 – Melbourne 4.3.27 GC 4.5.29
The Demons started the second term strongly with goals to Cameron Pederson and Mark Jamar to stretch the lead to 21 points. Jamar’s goal coming after the Suns gave away another 50 meter penalty. The Suns then swung the momentum of the game kicking three consecutive goals to even the scores at 27 apiece. Gary Ablett was instrumental in their fight back with the Demons trailing by two points leading in to the main break. The leading possession getters for Melbourne at the half were Watts with 17, Grimes with 14, M.Jones and Terlich both with 13 touches.
Quarter 3 – Melbourne 5.5.35 GC 6.9.60
James Sellar started the third term strongly for the Dees kicking his first of the afternoon after some nice delivery from Luke Tapscott going inside 50. The Gold Coast then hit back immediately after a remarkable mark from Charlie Dixon was converted from the goal line. The Suns again controlled the momentum and punished Melbourne converting on a number of strong marks taken inside their 50. Unfortunately for the Demons the highlights were few and far between for the third term with the Suns taking a strong 25 point lead heading into the final change.
Quarter 4 – Gold Coast 12.8.80 defeated Melbourne 8.7.55
Melbourne again started the quarter with the first goal, with Terlich converting from outside 50. Unfortunately from there on, Gold Coast made the most of their opportunities and controlled the quarter. Icing the game after kicking their 12th for the day, extending the lead to a game high 32 points. Melbourne did kick a one late consolation goal with Sellar kicking his third for the day. The Dees couldn’t get within striking distance for the remainder of the game with Gold Coast running out victors by 25 points. The leading possession getters for the game were: Jack Watts 25, Jack Grimes 22, Matt Jones 21, Dean Terlich 21.
