Gold Coast has notched his fourth win of the season, defeating a much-improved Essendon side by two points at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
The Bombers, who parted ways with coach James Hird during the week, produced an encouraging performance but fell just short against the depleted Suns in a 14.13 (97) to 14.11 (95) result.
The win could be overshadowed by the sickening neck injury to Sam Day, who was taken from the field on a stretcher in the third term after a nasty collision with Bomber Mark Baguley.
He was taken to hospital for precautionary scans, but the early indications from the club was that he is OK.
Both sides led at various stages throughout the match, but Gold Coast booted was able to seal the win on the back of another great game by Tom Lynch.
The rising star booted three goals and received good support from youngster Jack Martin (three goals), Matt Shaw (two) and Harley Bennell (two).
Aaron Hall continued his recent hot form with 31 touches, while veteran Michael Rischitelli was another strong contributor.
Essendon rookie Shaun McKernan had arguably the best game of his career with three goals and 24 touches, while skipper Dyson Heppell also booted three.
The Bombers booted the final two goals of the match and had a chance to snatch victory, but Jake Carlisle's snap on the siren missed to the right.
More to come
GOLD COAST 5.3 9.5 12.7 14.13 (97)
ESSENDON 4.1 7.7 11.7 14.11 (95)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Martin 3, Lynch 3, Bennell 2, Shaw 2, Russell, Malceski, Hall, Day
Essendon: Hooker 3, McKernan 3, Heppell 3, Fantasia 2, Dempsey 2, Laverde
BEST
Gold Coast: Lynch, Rischitelli, Martin, Kolodjashnij, Hall, Lonergan
Essendon: McKernan, Heppell, Stanton, Hooker, Hurley, O'Brien
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Day (neck)
Essendon: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Gold Coast: Josh Hall replaced Sam Day at three-quarter time
Essendon: Orazio Fantasia replaced Joe Daniher in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: O'Gorman, Chamberlain, Edwards
Official crowd: 16,253 at Metricon Stadium
