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Lachie Weller and Hugh Greenwood two of the best in Gold Coast’s upset win over West Coast

Weller and Greenwood star for Gold Coast, “Robbo” Lions best ball-mover and Tarryn Thomas helps kick Kangas to win over Giants. See how all the Tassie players fared in the AFL season restart.

IT might be the game that announces the arrival of the Gold Coast Suns as a serious AFL team and Tasmanians Lachie Weller and Hugh Greenwood played key roles in arguably the club’s finest hour – its upset win over powerhouse West Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.

Weller was everywhere in the midfield and Greenwood, fresh into the team this season after transferring from Adelaide, brought the force that earned him 51 games for the Crows, including the 2017 grand final.

Lachie Weller dominated the midfield for the Suns against the Eagles. Picture: CHRIS HYDE/GETTY
Lachie Weller dominated the midfield for the Suns against the Eagles. Picture: CHRIS HYDE/GETTY

Between them, Weller and Greenwood amassed 44 disposals, 12 clearances and kicked two goals in Gold Coast’s 14.6 (90) to 6.10 (46) win, which snapped the much-maligned club’s 19-game losing streak.

Gold Coast lost its round one match to Port Adelaide, which was Greenwood’s debut for the Suns.

“It was a bit of a sour taste,” Greenwood said.

“Usually if you have a bad week you can rock up the following week and make amends for it, but we’ve had to wait a couple of months to be able to do that.”

Hugh Greenwood lays a strong tackle on Jarrod Brander of the Eagles. Picture: AAP/Dave Hunt
Hugh Greenwood lays a strong tackle on Jarrod Brander of the Eagles. Picture: AAP/Dave Hunt

Despite having only six touches, Tarryn Thomas joined North Melbourne’s run of six goals in the final term to get the Kangas home against the Giants in Sydney. Teammate Ben Brown kicked 1.2 and Aaron Hall missed twice from his 10 possessions.

Jeremy Howe’s role in Collingwood’s backline was integral to the Magpies holding on for a draw against Richmond in the season-return at the MCG on Thursday night.

Howe had 20 disposals, seven marks and importantly foiled what would have been Tiger Tom Lynch’s fourth goal and possibly the winning kick.

At the other end Collingwood’s best goalkicker Brody Mihocek (nine touches, four marks, 0.1) had a monster battle with Tigers premiership defender Nick Vlastuin.

It was a good restart for Mitch Robinson and Grant Birchall at the Brisbane Lions with a win over Fremantle at the Gabba.

With 23 touches and five marks, “Robbo” was the Lions’ second-highest possession winner behind ball magnet Lachie Neale, and the game’s best for distance gained (667m).

“Birch” (14 disposals) was his usual workmanlike self across half-back.

It was a tough day at the office for former Tassie Mariners captain Chayce Jones (12 disposals, six contested possessions) in the Crows’ horrible Showdown loss to cross-town rival Port Adelaide.

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/afl/lachie-weller-and-hugh-greenwood-two-of-the-best-in-gold-coasts-upset-win-over-west-coast/news-story/bb110845874dd45eb141f25973dae078