A dominant three quarters was the building blocks for the Gold Coast SUNS’ third win of the AFLW season – an eventual 14-point victory over Port Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

Captain Tara Bohanna led the way with three majors, including a crucical goal during the last quarter, and was nicely aided by two goals from Jac Dupuy and single majors from Ellie Hampson and Courtney Jones.

Despite being one of the league’s four expansion sides, the Power held the advantage in terms of AFLW experience with Head Coach Cameron Joyce praising his side’s performance.

“For three quarters we were outstanding and we set the game up to three-quarter time,” Joyce said.

“They kicked a couple of goals in the last quarter to get reasonably close and Tara (Bohanna) was able to help us steady that.

“It was really pleasing against an expansion team that has a fair bit of experience about them.

For the second week running, Charlie Rowbottom led all comers recording 27 disposals – 10 more than the next best on field – whilst also dominating at stoppages with eight clearances to her name.

The 19-year-old played her role in a SUNS midfield that took the game by the scruff of the neck.

“I talk often of her competitiveness but as well as her want to be the best,” Joyce added.

“The work she’s done with our midfield coach Sam Iles and all our midfielders, she’s benefiting from synergy and continuity within that group including Lauren Bella, Claudia Whitfort, Ellie Hampson and Alison Drennan.

“We think that group is a group that will really take us forward and are going to play a lot of footy for the Gold Coast SUNS.

“Charlie is doing her bit, but she’s helping the others and they’re helping her too. She just wants to be great and that’s what we love about her, she just competes.”

The next test for the SUNS is a date with Richmond at the Swinburne Centre in Melbourne with the Tigers fresh of a narrow victory against premiership contenders Brisbane.

The SUNS sit behind the Tigers on percentage alone and are keenly eyeing that test against Top 8 opposition. 

“We wanted to improve off the back of last year and we think we’ve done that,” Joyce continued.

“Our three wins have been really good wins for us, but we have another challenge next week against Richmond who just beat Brisbane.

“The challenges keep coming but we’re excited to get down to Melbourne.”