The Demons have used a strong second half to run out 73-point winners on the Gold Coast. They kicked 16 goals to six to put the crosser through the Suns’ season.
The Suns got the jump on the Demons early, as they lead by as much as 18 in the first quarter. However, it was all Melbourne from that point forward, although their inaccuracy kept the Suns in it at the main break.
It all turned around in the third quarter, as the Demons started dominating in all facets of the game. They kicked 9.3 from 14 entries at one point in the third quarter, and that’s a good indicator of how the second half went.
For as good as the Demons were, the Suns were equally as bad in the second half. The Demons looked like they were running a training drill at stages during the third quarter, and the Suns effort will come under the microscope in the coming weeks.
Final score
Gold Coast 14.3.87
Melbourne 24.16.160
9th takes on 10th on the Gold Coast, as the Suns play host to the Melbourne Demons in a Saturday twilight clash. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:10pm AEST.
The Suns started the season on a tear, but three straight losses, including last weekend’s 120-point debacle against the Cats, has them firmly on the back foot.
The Suns would love to quickly forget the aforementioned loss to the Cats, as they showed no resistance in the second half, giving up 14 goals to two. Rodney Eade himself called the loss ‘unacceptable’, and few would argue with that assessment.
For a side that promised so much at the start of 2016, a fourth straight loss would see some tough questions being asked on the Gold Coast.
The Demons are looking better than they have in a while so far in 2016, but a 39-point loss to the Saints last weekend pegged the excitement back a little. For a side that was discussing finals during the lead-up, the loss may be the reality check that they needed to move to the next level. Jesse Hogan was a star last weekend for the Dees, kicking seven goals in the losing effort.
The Suns have named three changes for this clash, with Ryan Davis, Trent McKenzie, and Mackenzie Willis all out of the side. Adam Saad will be a welcome re-addition, while Jarrod Garlett and Darcy MacPherson will also come into the side.
The Demons have made four changes, with Colin Garland, Clayton Oliver, Billy Stretch, and Viv Michie all coming into the side. Lynden Dunn and Sam Frost have been omitted, while Heritier Lumumba and Christian Salem will miss with concussion.
The Suns have won three of the last four clashes between these sides, however the Demons did beat the Suns in Round 1 last year by 26 points.
Both sides have young, superstar key forwards, and they both hold the key to victory for their sides. If either Tom Lynch or Jesse Hogan can find a bag of goals, they’ll do a lot towards dragging their side to a victory.
Prediction
Although the Demons’ form has been better in recent weeks, I’m tipping the Suns to get it done at home.
Suns by 8
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
MVP VOTING 3. Max Gawn: Another brilliant game from the Demons ruckman. He had 46 hitouts to go with 17 disposals, 4 marks and 2 goals. 2. James Harmes: Almost single-handedly kept the Demons relevant in the first quarter, then got three well-deserved goals in the second half. 1. Nathan Jones. Led the Demons with 33 disposals, and kept attacking the footy hard all night.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Demons have used a strong second half to run out 73-point winners on the Gold Coast. They kicked 16 goals to six to put the crosser through the Suns' season. The Suns got the jump on the Demons early, as they lead by as much as 18 in the first quarter. However, it was all Melbourne from that point forward, although their inaccuracy kept the Suns at the main break. It all turned around in the third quarter, as the Demons started dominating in all facets of the game. They kicked 9.3 from 14 entries at one point in the third quarter, and that's a good indicator of how the second half went. For as good as the Demons were, the Suns were equally as bad in the second half. The Demons looked like they were running a training drill at stages during the third quarter, and the Suns effort will come under the microscope in the coming weeks. Thanks for joining me for this clash, and be sure to stay with The Roar for all your weekend footy needs. STATS Disposals: Demons 412-317 Free Kicks: Demons 31-18 Clearances: Demons 48-30 Inside 50: Demons 75-35 Contested Possessions: Demons 169-133 Tackles: Demons 87-79 Hit Outs: Demons 52-46
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS 0' The Suns get free through the middle of the ground, and Ablett gets them going forward. Lynch now handballs to Garlett, who finds Hall all by himself in the goal square. Suns 14.3 87 Demons 24.16 160
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND DEMONS 1' Clayton Oliver had a go from outside 50, but it's touched on the line. Suns 13.3 81 Demons 24.16 160
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND DEMONS 2' Max Gawn kicks a point from the pocket. Suns 13.3 81 Demons 24.15 159
Shawn Kewley
Guest
The Dees are very switched on today! Wow get excited folks about this young team - a huge effort!
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS 3' Gary Ablett gets legged inside 50, so he should get a couple of last quarter goals. He puts it through. Suns 13.3 81 Demons 24.14 158
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
5' Garland sends the Demons inside 50 again, and Petracca manages to pin the ball in 30 from goal. Kennedy tried to get a kick away, but the Suns will clear through Hall. He finds Martin on the wing, who tries to go back to Hall, but there's a turnover. Jones goes over the top to Oliver, and he can run to 50. Probably should have taken the shot there, as Gawn never had good position in that contest, and he's given away a free kick. Suns 12.3 75 Demons 24.14 158
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS 6' This isn't a fair contest, as Max Gawn has one-on-one in the goalsquare. He marks, and then handballs off to Jeff Garlett for another Demons' goal! Suns 12.3 75 Demons 24.14 158
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
7' There's just no effort from the Suns at the present, but now it may open up for Hall. He kicks forward looking for Miller, but Garland will get across in coverage. Suns 12.3 75 Demons 23.14 152
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND DEMONS 8' Jeff Garlett marks outside 50, and now hits Watts on the chest just inside 50. The Demons are sniffing a 100-point margin here, but Watts can't add six. Suns 12.3 75 Demons 23.14 152
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS 9' Free kick to the Demons, and Stretch sends them inside 50. The Suns manage to hold them up, so we'll have a bounce. Lynch can't clear with his kick, and now Malceski tries to burst through. Now another free kick to the Demons, and Pederson will have a shot on goal. He puts it through, and the Demons break 150!!! Suns 12.3 75 Demons 23.13 151
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS 10' Jack Watts with a good kick into the middle, and now Garland goes long inside 50. It falls perfectly for James Harmes, and he soccers it through for a goal!! Suns 12.3 75 Demons 22.13 145
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS 10' Petracca has two!! Garlett sends it long to the advantage of the young fella, and he toes through a clever goal!! Suns 12.3 75 Demons 21.13 139
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS 12' Very loose kick out of defence from the Demons, so the Suns will get possession. Now a turnover, and Petracca will kick a goal from outside 50!!! Suns 12.3 75 Demons 20.13 133
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
BEHIND DEMONS 14' Four Suns' get in each other's way inside defensive 50, but the numbers will win out. The Dees go forward from halfback, and Harmes sends them inside 50. Max Gawn has prime position for this one, and he takes a grab in the pocket. He hits the post. Suns 12.3 75 Demons 19.13 127
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS 15' Jones sends a kick inside 50, and Adam Saad has his hands on this one. Pederson has stolen the juggling ball away from him though, and he'll kick a goal. Suns 12.3 75 Demons 19.12 126
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
16' Jones with a cute little kick looking for Hogan, and those never work. The Suns clear the 50, as it rolls out of bounds. Suns 12.3 75 Demons 18.12 120
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS 17' Wagner sends one to the goalsquare, and Pederson takes a very strong grab! That's a classic contested mark! He slots the goal, and the Demons are away in the fourth. Suns 12.3 75 Demons 18.12 120
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
18' Lonergan wins a clearance, but Jetta is there for the mark. Now Viney kicks out wide for Wagner, who marks all by himself. He'll kick long to the centre, where Watts almost marks. Jones now wins the footy, and Oliver bundles it forward. The Suns have numbers, and Currie manages to get it clear. Suns 12.3 75 Demons 17.12 114