GOLD COAST forward Brandon Matera has bagged five goals in a NEAFL practice match to strengthen his claims for selection in the Suns' AFL season-opener against the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium next Saturday night.

The lively left-footer, who missed the Suns' last game in the JLT Community Series after having surgery to fix a degenerative eye issue, was at his elusive best against Aspley, exciting fans with a miraculous goal from the boundary line in the dying stages.

Matera, 25, kicked 24 goals last year – ranked third at Gold Coast – from 17 appearances after a slow start. 

He was one of 17 Suns-listed players to take the field in 30-degree heat at Metricon Stadium on Saturday and Gold Coast predictably won easily – 20.16 (136) to 4.6 (30). 

Untried rookie Cameron Loersch, a towering 203cm, was also prominent with four goals, showcasing his contested marking. 

Among the other Suns to take part was talented defender Jack Scrimshaw, – the No.7 pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft – who made his first appearance for the club.

Scrimshaw was among four top-10 draftees re-signed by the Suns until the end of 2020.