Gold Coast’s upset win over the West Coast Eagles on Saturday was one of the biggest surprises of the season so far.
The Suns were impressive with and without the ball around the contest, frequently creating space and carry through the centre.
The biggest talking points to come out of the game surrounded Suns’ young gun Matt Rowell.
The Suns star shone bright racking up 26 touches and two-goals in just his second game of league football. Rowell was impressive showing his class against Elliot Yeo and Luke Shuey around the contest.
Rowell was the number 1 draft pick but what he presented on Saturday against the Eagles to break a 19-game losing streak and is certainly a name to remember.
Matt Rowell was just one of a number of young Suns to step up against the Eagles. The Suns had three first-year players in the squad Rowell, Noah Anderson, and Connor Budarick. All three were influential throughout the game with Anderson kicking and goal and Budarick strong in defence.
Recruitment at the Suns appears to be working well with second-year players Ben King and Jack Lukosius also playing consistent football.
To be completely honest, despite the club’s struggles in recent years the future doesn’t look so bad for the Gold Coast Suns.
The new and improved coaching tactic of Suns Coach Stuart Dew really opens the game up for his youngsters to run and carry through the middle. The Suns really exposed the West Coast midfield consisting of Tim Kelly, Elliot Yeo, and Andrew Gaff.
Gold Coast spread the ball wide and opened up the wider areas of the ground making it easier for the likes of Rowell and Lachie Weller to carry the ball. The shorter 16-minute quarter also gives the Suns midfield a chance to tire out their opponents and capitalise on fatigue late in games.
Gold Coast faces the Adelaide Crows next Sunday who are coming off a big showdown loss. The Suns will be hoping to back up their performance with another win.
Whether the Suns are contenders or pretenders remains to be seen, but a win over a strong Eagles outfit would have been music to the ears of everyone on the glitter strip.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Hasn't he had a serious injury? I'm sure once he's got a couple of games under his belt he will get a crack.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
agree lachlan hubs not fair for anyone but it is what it is,only will be for a few more weeks,if those sides dont suck it up and nuckle down season will be over for them very quickly
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Surely Gold Coast deserve some credit getting over the line there.
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Mental toughness will have a lot to do with there performance on the weekend.
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Wins a win thats just good footy without taking an extra step.
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Bold bet would love to see that get up but very unlikely.
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
yeah agreed will want to chase success elsewhere.
Gary
Roar Rookie
I think the hub will be a good experience for us, and we will reap the benefits in the coming seasons. It is more disruptive for WCE because they are in their premiership window. The impact on Port and Crows will be interesting. Port will probably be ok, winning helps, and might help galvanise the team for the rest of season. Adelaide, on the other hand, will either fall to pieces or start rebuilding the teams culture, imo.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
That is a memorial one !
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
I do think the hub is good for Freo beats two 10,000 km interstate flights it has a couple of drawbacks of course.They are allowed to Surf, Fish and play Golf now is a bonus.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Yep not fair. Maybe take a leaf out of Matti’s book. Build for an onslaught next year. WC deserve to be in the hub. But what bad has Freo done? Maybe they won a final down at Kardinia.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Freo have got a home game this week. but there not tucked in bed at home with there wives !
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I will give you that they are building. They just didn’t seem to come together as a cohesive unit. Maybe still learning the play book. Hub has to be hurting them. AD’s power ranking is way to harsh. Good to see you talking footy, not other states politics.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
I tipped and backed the Suns to win over the flat track bullies got back some cash I put on them to be premiers at 500-1 very unlikely of course.
Seano
Roar Rookie
They have to play Rankin soon though or he will move back to SA.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
To beat Freo indicates there going very well I would of thought.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I don’t think Brisbane are performing that well. But you in a hub and they are tucked up in bed with their wives or significant others.
Gary
Roar Rookie
The Eagles v Lions will be a good game to watch. A bit of uncertainty over who will win, but, Eagles will put in a better performance this week.
Duckworth-Lewis
Guest
I will preface this by saying that I have no love for West Coast, however this result should never have been allowed to happen. Firstly because Gold Coast received an unfair advantage in the draft for their own mismanagement, and secondly because the season is comprised, hence West Coast have to play in the Gold Coast hub.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I agree, though I do think people might be in danger of reading too much into the win against West Coast.