The Bulletin looks at five things we learned from a big weekend of Gold Coast Aussie rules

The Suns were overrun in Mackay but prevailed in Adelaide. The Sharks downed Redlands in the pre-season and Bond bounced backed in a big way. It was another huge weekend of Gold Coast Aussie rules. Here are five things we learned.

The Suns were overrun in Mackay but prevailed in Adelaide. The Sharks downed Redlands in the pre-season and Bond bounced backed in a big way. It was another huge weekend of Gold Coast Aussie rules. Here are five things we learned.

SISTER ACT OF LEVI PROPORTIONS INSPIRES BOND TO VICTORY

1. Game of two halves in Mackay

Anyone attending the Suns vs. Cats clash in Mackay on Friday night may have thought they were watching a completely different game of football after half time. The Suns came out guns blazing against the Cats and put the clamps on early. Geelong struggled to transition the ball past halfway but the Suns could only carve out a six point half time lead despite their constant pressure. After half time, the tide dramatically swung as Geelong made it two wins in a row. The first half was a distant memory as the Cats ran away with it and restricted the home side to a mere two points. While we’ve seen the Suns come home with a wet sail in the past, we’re still waiting for them to string together a four quarter performance.

‘WE’RE AROUND THE MONEY:’ SUNS REMAIN A FINALS SNIFF

Geelong Cats AFLW player Kate Darby and Gold Coast Suns player Lauren Bella contest the ruck at Harrup Park. Picture: Tony Martin

2. Razor Sharp

All the pre-season talk has been about top two draft picks Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson but WA product Jeremy Sharp elevated his name into the conversation with a blistering third term. The teenager picked up 14 disposals from just 46% time on ground and worked hard for his seven uncontested marks. His third term was particularly impressive and he continues to push for a Round 1 debut.

AFL - Adelaide Crows v Gold Coast at Noarlunga Oval. Jeremy Sharp about to handpass with Fischer McAsey in the background Picture SARAH REED

3. Prolific Shark tank

In 2019, Southport boasted one of the best one two punch forward line combinations of Mitch Johnson and Josh Hall but it could get even better in 2020. Forward duo Connor Nutting and Jonathon Beech were both standouts in the Sharks’ pre-season trial match against Redlands on Saturday and will add another dimension to an already potent forward line in 2020.

STANDOUTS, BOLTERS AND SLIDERS FROM SHARKS’ FIRST PRE-SEASON HIT OUT

NEAFL practice game between Southport Sharks and Redland at Fankhauser Reserve..(Photo Steve Holland)

4. New recruits clicking early

The Coolangatta of 2020 are a different beast. Several of the Bluebirds’ best players from their 43-16 victory over Coolangatta are new to the club this year and are already making waves. Former WNBA basketballer Casey Samuels was named best on ground while former Surfers Paradise premiership winner Madeleine Reisinger starred through the midfield. Former Lismore Swans captain Maggie Riley was also a huge factor.

WE’VE FOUND IT: THE COAST’S BEST BUT MOST BIZARRE FOOTY SUPERSTITION

5. Bond bounce back hard

After losing to Coolangatta in the dying stages of their Round 1 clash, Bond University bounced back in a big way. The Bull Sharks kicked three more goals than the week prior, boasted six individual goal kickers and doubled their scoring shots from Round 1. Bond’s structure and coverage around the contest was particularly impressive and demonstrated their ability to quickly adjust from the week before. Bond don’t stay down for long.