The Gold Coast SUNS kicked off their pre-season with a thrilling one-point win over Essendon.
After trailing by as much as 31 points in the final half, it was a rushed behind off the boot of Gary Ablett which nabbed them in the win on the siren.
Plenty of Queenslanders had a say on the final result, with positive contributions on both sides.
Jarrod Harbrow had a promising first hit-out, ahead of a season likely to see him play a big part in the SUNS midfield, with 23 touches.
After injury prevented him from playing in last year’s pre-season competition, defender Clay Cameron was serviceable in his first senior GC SUNS appearance.
Cameron, a Mt Gravatt junior, finished with 15 touches, starting his year on a positive note.
Former Broadbeach player, Andrew Boston continued on from his 2013 season, where he played the last eight games of the season, with a solid game against the Bombers, kicking two goals.
Boston will be hoping to break into the senior squad again this season and did his chances no harm on Monday night.
Townsville’s Josh Hall was another rookie who made the most of his senior chance, finishing with two goals and putting himself firmly in the senior selection frame.
Cairns’ Charlie Dixon had a quiet night in the forward line, and will be looking to improve in the Gold Coast’s second NAB Challenge game in Townsville on Sunday.
For the Bombers, Fraser Thurlow made the most of his senior chance, playing in the ruck/forward on the night.
The Gold Coast product showed fans why the Bombers were keen to pick him up in the rookie draft, with the youngster collecting 15 hit-outs and 12 disposals.
The GC SUNS travel to Townsville this weekend for their second NAB Challenge game, against the Brisbane Lions, at Tony Ireland Stadium.
