Gold Coast has bounced back from a QClash loss by producing a confidence-boosting 14-point victory over St Kilda in Mackay.
Led by Charlie Rowbottom, the SUNS produced a match-winning third quarter by kicking three goals and keeping the Saints scoreless.
St Kilda finished with a strong breeze in the last quarter, but Gold Coast was able to hang on 5.12 (42) to 4.4 (28) for its second win of the season.
Rowbottom put in the type of performance that had her picked first in the 2021 draft.
She collected a game-high 30 touches, six clearances and laid nine tackles.
The lively Kalinda Howarth was also important, booting Gold Coast's first goal to finish with two majors and 22 possessions.
St Kilda star Georgia Patrikios, who sat out last season after refusing to comply with the League's vaccination policy, was well held in a win for the SUNS.
Bianca Jakobsson was the Saints' leading ball-winner with 19 possessions, while key forward Caitlin Greiser slotted two goals to be St Kilda's only multiple goalkicker.
St Kilda won its opening two games of the season, but the defeat to the SUNS was its second straight loss after going down to premiership fancy Melbourne last week.
Rowbottom dominates
Charlie Rowbottom, pick No.1 in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft, was in fine form on Saturday. The midfielder was the dominant player on the ground, gathering 30 disposals to go with nine tackles and six clearances – all game-highs. Rowbottom also had seven score involvements to lead the Suns to their win.
Up next
The Saints have a short turnaround with a trip to GMHBA Stadium to face Geelong on Thursday, while the Suns host Port Adelaide on Sunday next week.
GOLD COAST 1.5 2.8 5.10 5.12 (42)
ST KILDA 1.0 1.2 1.2 4.4 (28)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Howarth 2, Bohanna, Dupuy, Jones
St Kilda: Greiser 2, Matin, Shierlaw
BEST
Gold Coast: Rowbottom, Howarth, Jones, Drennan, Watson
St Kilda: Jakobsson, Priest, Greiser, Vesely
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
St Kilda: Nil
Reports: Nil
