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The West Coast Eagles were far too good for the struggling Gold Coast Suns on Sunday afternoon, running away with a very comfortable 77-point win at Domain Stadium.
REPORT: EAGLES THUMP LACKLUSTRE SUNS
Final score
Bulldogs 20.12.132
West Coast 7.13.55
Fresh off a hard-fought win, the West Coast Eagles play host to the decimated Gold Coast Suns on Sunday evening at Domain Stadium. Join The Roar from 4:40pm (AEST) for live scores and a call of all the action, live.
Previously dubbed the flat-track bullies of season 2016, the Eagles won a lot of respect last weekend after closing out a tremendously tough win against Port Adelaide in a hostile environment. The Gold Coast, however, were embarrassed at home by Adelaide and are once again on the verge of another lost season.
In their short history, the Suns have never been able to defeat the Eagles, and it certainly doesn’t look good for them this time around either. Interestingly, though, when the two met in similar circumstances late last year, the Suns managed to scrounge an unlikely draw.
Josh Kennedy has caused major headaches for the Gold Coast in the past, and will be looking for another bag this Sunday. In his comeback game, Steven May will likely get the job on him, in what could be an enthralling contest.
May is one of a whopping eight ins to the Gold Coast side, along with superstar captain Gary Ablett, gun mid Aaron Hall, Tom Nicholls, Clay Cameron, Mackenzie Willis, Seb Tape, Joshua Schoenfeld and Jesse Joyce (phew!). Five players have gone out injured: Jarrad Grant, Sam Day, Callum Ah Chee, Daniel Currie and Darcy MacPherson.
For the Eagles, Elliot Yeo is out with a quad injury while Andrew Gaff will miss after his shocking concussion via Tom Jonas’ elbow. Thomas Cole comes in for his debut game, while Patrick McGinnity, Xavier Ellis, Thomas Barrass and Lewis Jetta come onto the extended bench.
The Eagles are on a ten-game winning streak at home, with a lot of those wins coming via big margins. Priddis, Naitanui, Darling, McGovern – these guys shine at Subi, and are a joy to watch as they carve up visitors. The Suns have some important inclusions, though, especially Ablett and Hall – let’s not forget the latter of which was among the competitions best players in its first month.
What’s interesting stat-wise about the Gold Coast is that they lead the competition in rebounding the ball from their back 50 but are last in clearances. With timely midfield reinforcements coming in to compliment that hardworking defence, this game could be closer than many think. Tom Lynch is an absolute goalkicking freak too and is about due for a big day out.
A couple of players worth watching for the Eagles today are Chris Masten and Jack Redden. In Gaff’s absence they will have need to lift, and with their talent will surely be crucial to the Eagles’ season – not just today, but in coming weeks.
The Eagles are deadly at home against anyone, let alone a team in dire straits like the Suns. It’s a huge ask for the visitors to steal a win here today… can they stun us all and take the points or will it be business as usual for West Coast?
Prediction
Tough to beat West Coast at home, and it won’t be the Suns who break the streak.
Eagles by 35.
Will the Eagles soar to another huge home win or can the Suns burn them in a shock upset? Join The Roar from 4:40pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary, and join in the discussion below!
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