GOLD Coast has breathed new life into its season with a three-point win over West Coast in a thrilling clash at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Peter Wright was the hero with a big mark and goal with less than two minutes remaining as the Suns held on to seal the 11.14 (80) to 11.11 (77) victory.
The win was Gold Coast's first over West Coast in its history and moves it to a 4-6 win-loss record.
Superstar Gary Ablett picked up 36 touches in his return from a shoulder injury, while Pearce Hanley (31 disposals) and Jarryd Lyons (29) played their best games for their new club.
Five talking points: Gold Coast v West Coast
Gold Coast led by 14 points at three-quarter time but conceded four goals to open the last term and trail by 10 points.
But Wright stood tall for the hosts and kicked the winning goal with 90 seconds left to finish with two for the match.
WATCH: The thrilling final two minutes
Coach Rodney Eade said he was pleased with the Suns' resilience – something that had been lacking against Port Adelaide and Melbourne in the past two weeks.
"I think we'll still be inconsistent at times … but I think it was a step forward," Eade said.
"There's going to be rough periods, and we just need to stick to what we know and hang in there mentally.
"You'd like to think it (win) would give them confidence going forward, but also confidence to hang in there when things aren't going well."
Some slick ball movement by the Suns led to a terrific goal for Jarrod Harbrow. #AFLSunsEagles pic.twitter.com/ML2nwWXXyV
— AFL (@AFL) June 3, 2017
Without two-time Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy, the Eagles struggled for a key target up forward with Jack Darling failing to assert any sort of influence on the contest.
Utility Elliot Yeo stepped up with three goals, and Dom Sheed, Luke Shuey and Sam Mitchell all had plenty of touches but it was another disappointing performance from the Eagles, who have now lost three games straight.
"There were moments in that last few minutes when we lost our composure, and some experienced players didn't handle it too well," coach Adam Simpson said.
"The consistency of effort and intent the last few weeks has been reasonable but we've got another level we can go to with that.
"We haven't been able to close it out last week or this week. We need to find a way."
Showtime for Elliot Yeo #AFLSunsEagles pic.twitter.com/oDS1kR7IkZ
— AFL (@AFL) June 3, 2017
MEDICAL ROOM
Gold Coast: The only minor scare for the Suns came in the first quarter when Matt Rosa copped a big bump in the centre of the ground that kept him down for a few seconds. Rosa has missed the past three weeks with concussion, but bounced back to his feet and played the match out.
West Coast: The Eagles got through without a problem.
NEXT UP
Gold Coast will try and make it two win in a row next week against Hawthorn at the MCG. The Suns beat the Hawks by 86 points earlier this season. West Coast has the week off with the bye before a blockbuster clash against Geelong at home on Thursday night.
GOLD COAST 2.5 5.10 9.10 11.14 (80)
WEST COAST 3.3 5.5 7.8 11.11 (77)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Lynch 3, Wright 2, Lemmens, Harbrow, Sexton, Matera, Hall, Lyons
West Coast: Yeo 3, Hill 2, Schofield, McGovern, Petrie, Jetta, Shuey, Cripps
BEST
Gold Coast: Hanley, Ablett, Martin, Harbrow, Lyons, Miller
West Coast: Mitchell, Sheed, Shuey, Yeo, Jetta
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
West Coast: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stevens, Nicholls, Hay, Glouftsis
Official crowd: 11,402 at Metricon Stadium