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
Perry Bridge
Guest
Doing all we need to do - nice professional performance again. The doubters will still find reason to talk North down which is okay - as we (North) fly above the radar.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
MVP VOTING 3. Nick Dal Santo: Controlled the game well through the midfield, and finished with a team-high 28 disposals. 2. Shaun Higgins: Had a knack for kicking a key goal whenever the Suns threatened. Also finished with 18 disposals. 1. Todd Goldstein: 24 hitouts, 18 disposals, and 2 goals in another solid performance for the best ruckman in the comp.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME 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. Thanks for joining me for this clash, and be sure to stay with The Roar for Saturday Night Footy.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND SUNS 0' Peter Wright marks about 30 from goal. He's been pretty good tonight, great sign for the future. He's missed this one out to the right. No conviction in the kick. Suns 11.15 81 Kangaroos 18.11 119
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
1' Lindsay Thomas having a go at mark of the year, but that's about as unrealistic as you'll ever see. Suns 11.14 80 Kangaroos 18.11 119
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL KANGAROOS 2' Inside the last four minutes now, as the Kangaroos are controlling the footy around the midfield. Now Ben Brown shakes loose, and he marks 35 from goal. He kicks his fourth!! Suns 11.14 80 Kangaroos 18.11 119
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS 6' Tom Lynch is getting shepherded out on every single entry at the moment. His direct man has no intent for going for the ball. The Suns will rebound off half back now, and Lynch will get a 50 metre penalty on the wing. That's the second one Firrito has given away. Lynch kicks the goal. Suns 11.14 80 Kangaroos 17.11 113
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS 6' Gazza gets one, as he gets a perfect bounce off hands to run into an open goal square. Suns 10.14 74 Kangaroos 17.11 113
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
7' Lindsay Thomas has three to beat inside 50, and he almost does it as well. Petrie now comes to help out, but eventually the Suns' numbers will win out. They're all deep though, so there's nothing to kick to beyond half back. Suns 9.14 68 Kangaroos 17.11 113
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
8' Lynch is paid a mark despite not catching the footy on the wing, but now Rosa has gotten away with holding the footy. Malceski now sends the ball inside 50, and that one has been paid as deliberate out of bounds. Suns 9.14 68 Kangaroos 17.11 113
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
10' The Suns can't get their hands on the footy at the moment, as Ziebell sends it inside 50. Waite comes hard at the footy, but he's given away a free kick. Suns 9.14 68 Kangaroos 17.11 113
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
11' A rare attacking opportunity for the Suns now, but that one's snuffed out by a free kick. The home fans are getting restless now. A lot of displeasure coming from the crowd. Suns 9.14 68 Kangaroos 17.11 113
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL KANGAROOS 12' The Suns have gone from withing three points to giving up seven straight goals, as Lindsay Thomas kicks one. This is becoming a snoozer now. All the intensity is gone. Suns 9.14 68 Kangaroos 17.11 113
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
13' Quick clearance from Jack Ziebell, and Thomas is told to play on inside 50. He gives Waite a chance in the goal square, but the Suns have numbers back. Suns 9.14 68 Kangaroos 16.11 107
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL KANGAROOS 14' Another goal for Jarrad Waite, and this one is over. Suns 9.14 68 Kangaroos 16.11 107
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL KANGAROOS 15' Jarrad Waite gets gifted a goal, as Kade Kolodjashnij handballs straight to him inside 50. He's had a shocker today, as that's the second time he's turned it over for a direct goal. Suns 9.14 68 Kangaroos 15.11 101
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND SUNS 16' Ablett combines with Hall for the clearance, and now Miller has taken a mark 35 from goal. He's put it out to the right, and that was an important one. Suns 9.14 68 Kangaroos 14.11 95
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL KANGAROOS 16' It's too high a mountain for the Suns now, as Petrie wins an easy free kick against Sean Lemmens. He kicks a goal. Suns 9.13 67 Kangaroos 14.11 95
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND KANGAROOS 17' McDonald and Lonergan get their feet tangled, but somehow the defender has kept his feet. Harvey now has space at his end, but he's kicked a behind. Suns 9.13 67 Kangaroos 13.11 89
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FOURTH QUARTER 19' Robbie Tarrant takes a defensive mark in front of Tom Lynch. If Lynch can jag a couple in the last quarter, the Suns will love their chances. Suns 9.13 67 Kangaroos 13.10 88