Head Coach Cameron Joyce heaped praise across his squad following Friday night’s crucial win over Carlton at Metricon Stadium.

The SUNS responded following a first-half tussle during which the Blues kicked the only goal, kicking six goals to one after the main break to run away comfortable victors.

Gold Coast had the Blues covered in several key stat lines, leading clearances 25-14 as well as contested possessions 122-89, earning the praise from Joyce post-match. 

“The players responded after half-time. We started to win contests across the entire ground, and we were able to score off that,” Joyce said.

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Joyce "We want to finish off strongly"

Hear what Head Coach Cameron Joyce has to say before our season defining game against Carlton

“To score 6.3 in the second half is a credit to the players how they were able to adapt to the conditions – kick more than handball around the contest.

Charlie Rowbottom and Alison Drennan led the way with 26 and 24 disposals apiece in midfield, Courtney Jones was the game’s only multiple goalkicker while Vivien Saad & Lauren Ahrens got plenty of the ball whilst patrolling the SUNS defence.

“Over time we wore them down a little in the midfield +33 contested possessions and got enough of the ball inside 50 to score,” Joyce continued.

“I thought our forwards were really hard to play against after half-time. Every player had their moment – that’s the sign of a good forward line.

“To concede just 15 points – they (Carlton) kicked four goals in the first quarter against Richmond last week – all our defenders had some moments in terms of being able to cut some Carlton forays forward off and that was important to hold them to a low score.”

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It was a must-win clash for the SUNS who face a similar scenario this Sunday in its final match of the home & away season against the GWS Giants at Sydney’s Henson Park.

The SUNS need to win to keep their finals hopes alive but will narrow their focus to what needs to be done prior to have the squad in tip-top shape for the trip south.

“We spend a lot of time on works best for each individual to best prepare,” Joyce added.

“I know where we’re at (on the ladder), but the message is about what we do. We just have to finish off strong, we put in a good showing against Carlton and now we move our focus to the Giants.”