Gold Coast have finally ended their losing streak at 10 games after holding off GWS to win 11.13 (79) to 11.11 (77) on a wet day in Canberra.
Their AFL finals hopes already banished after collapsing from a 7-3 record, the Suns picked themselves up to damage the Giants’ own hopes of securing a wildcard berth.
Former captain Touk Miller had three goals but it was Bailey Humphrey’s bizarre drag across the line early in the fourth quarter that sealed it for Gold Coast.
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Humphrey was taken to ground by Lachie Ash as he chased a loose ball into the goal square, but the Sherrin bounced in between his legs and the Suns forward got the final touch off his heel.
It proved to be Gold Coast’s last goal but a flood of behinds maintained their two-kick margin over GWS.
The Giants always needed to keep winning while other results went their way — starting with Sunday’s later clash between Carlton and St Kilda — to snare 10th spot on the ladder but defeat to the Suns has made the run-in more difficult.
Gold Coast’s reigning Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell finished with 40 disposals, 17 clearances and 16 tackles in the soggy contest.
“It’s just a great feeling to be back on the winners’ list. It’s been a really tough slog,” he told Fox Sports.
“This is what you play for, to get these wins. I thought the boys showed so much spirit today. I’m so proud of the boys, great to get a win again.”
Sunday’s upset left the Giants at least a game plus percentage out of 10th spot and a wildcard berth with two rounds left.
After winning the Brownlow last year, Matt Rowell has battled injuries this season and been well off his best form. But he revelled in the wet and cold conditions at Manuka Oval.
The Giants were dealt a double blow early in the second term when Jayden Laverde (ribs) and Toby Bedford (back) were forced out of the game.
In wet and cold conditions, Rowell and defender Mac Andrew led Gold Coast to a six-point lead at the first change.
Only three goals were scored in a scrappy second term and when Leo Lombard kicked accurately at the start of the third quarter, the Suns had taken a 16-point lead.
But that sparked the Giants, who briefly regained the lead as they more than doubled their score with four goals.
Gold Coast steadied with the last two goals of the quarter, giving them that lead for the final quarter.
After only a combined eight goals in the first half, the two teams kicked five apiece in the third as the game broke open.
Touk Miller kicked three and Ben King added two, as he went to outright second in the Coleman Medal.
Giants youngster Josaia Delana snapped a goal with seconds left to cap his breakout game, which featured 20 possessions and two goal assists.
With AAP
