GOLD Coast's stunning win over Sydney at the SCG will live long in the memory of all Suns fans. But where does it rank among the significant victories that have punctuated the club's eight-year AFL history? AFL.com.au's long-time Queensland reporter Michael Whiting ranks his top five.
1. The biggest upset in a decade
Gold Coast d Sydney 12.16 (88) to 8.16 (64), R18, 2018
Gold Coast was given no chance of upsetting high-flying Sydney at the SCG. Following 11 straight losses and trailing by 29 points at quarter-time, it looked like another flogging was on the way for Stuart Dew's men. But unlikely heroes Aaron Young, Alex Sexton, Lachie Weller and Jarrod Witts inspired a remarkable comeback that resulted in the club's first ever win over the Swans.
UPSET OF THE YEAR Suns shock Swans at the SCG
2. Suns break their duck
Gold Coast d Port Adelaide 15.14 (104) to 15.11 (101), R5, 2011
The club's first ever victory and what a memorable one it was. In just their fourth match in the AFL, Gold Coast hung around and hung around before a miraculous left-footed snap by Luke Russell deep in the fourth quarter gave them the lead. They had to sweat it out right until the end though as Port forward Justin Westhoff had a 40m set shot after the siren to snatch victory – but missed. The players barely knew the club song, but no-one cared.
Gold Coast players ecstatic at the final siren in round five, 2011. Picture: AFL Photos
3. Gaz pops his shoulder, young guns hang on
Gold Coast d Collingwood 11.14 (80) to 10.15 (75), R16, 2014
Perhaps the most courageous win in the club's history after reigning Brownlow medalist Gary Ablett dislocated his shoulder under the weight of a Brent Macaffer tackle in the third quarter. Not only did they miss Ablett the rest of the way, but the Suns played the entire fourth quarter with no interchange players following injuries to Trent McKenzie, Charlie Dixon and Sean Lemmens. David Swallow and Sam Day were heroic in the gutsy win.
Rory Thompson celebrates the Suns' backs-to-the-wall win over the Pies. Picture: AFL Photos
4. Karmichael's match-winner after the siren
Gold Coast d Richmond 13.12 (90) to 13.10 (88), R16, 2012
How could anyone forget this? After 21 straight losses spread over 2011 and 2012, the Suns sprung a huge surprise in Richmond's 'home' game in Cairns. In what Paul Roos later labelled "the worst 27 seconds in football" the Tigers fell apart. Brandon Matera squared the ball from the left-hand boundary line and found rugby league convert Hunt unattended 30m out. The code-hopper lived out the boyhood dream by calmly slotting the winner after the siren and was rightfully mobbed by his delirious teammates.
FAIRYTALE FINISH Karmichael Hunt sinks the Tigers
5. Harley's masterclass
Gold Coast d Geelong 17.16 (118) to 11.12 (78), R14, 2014
After a brilliant start to 2014, Gold Coast was no longer the laughing stock of the competition and on this warm Saturday night at Metricon Stadium, it looked like they'd officially arrived. Harley Bennell had 27 disposals and kicked six goals in an imperious individual display. They were entrenched in the top eight and had dismissed a club they previously feared. Gary Ablett had 33 touches and Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia and David Swallow all excelled in what looked a glimpse into a promising future. On that night at least, this win meant so much.
HARLEY FIRES UP Six-goal Bennell buries the Cats
