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The Kangaroos have stayed undefeated with a solid 38-point win over the Suns at Metricon Stadium. Ben Brown kicked four goals to pace the Kangaroos, while Shaun Higgins chipped in with three goals at key periods of the match.
It was a quick start for the Roos, as they jumped out to a 24-point lead late the first quarter. However, the Suns woke up in the second, as they dominated the early proceedings to bring the margin back to five points. The Kangaroos managed to regain control though, as they kicked three late goals to take a 22-point lead into the half.
The third quarter was almost a replica of the second, as the Suns brought themselves back to within three points, and looked like running over the top of Roos for a while. Once again though, the Roos settled, as they kicked three late goals yet again to re-establish their 20-point lead going into the final quarter.
It was all North Melbourne from that point, as they grew the lead to a game-high 45-point lead before a late mini-charge from the Suns brought it back to a more respectable 38-point margin.
This is the first time since 2005 that the Kangaroos have won their first five games of the season. They’ve certainly established themselves as legitimate contenders in 2016.
The Suns are in danger of letting their season slip away, as this marks their second straight loss. They’ve got the Cats next weekend in Geelong, and a loss there would drop them to 3-3.
Final score
Gold Coast Suns 11.15 (81)
North Melbourne Kangaroos 18.11 (119)
We’ve got an early season blockbuster on a Saturday afternoon, as the Gold Coast Suns host the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Metricon Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:30pm.
The Suns started the season with three straight wins, but a loss last weekend to the lowly Lions has brought them back to earth slightly. The 13-point deficit flattered the Suns, as they were beaten all over the ground and were only kept in it by Brisbane’s inaccuracy. That game was also marred by Steven May’s ugly hit on Stefan Martin, an incident that will see the Suns defender miss five weeks.
The Kangaroos are a perfect 4-0 so far in 2016, and they got there with a 31-point victory over Fremantle in Round 4. North kicked seven unanswered goals in a key second half stretch to seal that victory, and they’re sitting pretty looking at a very reachable 5-0 record. However, their defence has left something to be desired so far this season, as they are giving up more than 100 points per game.
The Suns have swung the axe after last weekend’s performance, with five changes named for this clash. Steven May (suspension) and Dion Prestia (illness) are forced, but Tom Nicholls, Ryan Davis and Keegan Brooksby have all been dropped from the side. Trent McKenzie, Peter Wright, Jarrad Grant, Daniel Currie, and Luke Russell will all come into the side. Henry Schade, Brandon Matera and Mackenzie Willis will be the emergencies.
The Kangaroos have named an unchanged 22 for this weekend, with Lachlan Hansen, Aaron Mullett and Kayne Turner the emergencies.
The Suns have a very good record against the Kangaroos, as they have won the past three matches between these two sides, including last year’s 55-point victory on the Gold Coast. However, the Kangaroos have been a much better contested footy side so far this season, and that could go a long way to a victory.
Prediction
I’m going with the upset here. I think the Suns will be fired up after last weekend’s debacle in Brisbane, and their good record against the Kangaroos will continue.
Suns by 16
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