A fast start by the Gold Coast SUNS in the second round of the Smithy’s VFL Premiership, lead to a dominant performance over the Geelong Cats.
The SUNS proved too good for the Cats under the warm conditions at Heritage Bank Stadium, securing their highest ever VFL score of 28.14 (182) to 11.9 (75), with a winning margin of 107 points.
Brodie McLaughlin was unstoppable up front kicking six goals, coupled with 17 disposals, four marks and four tackles.
The forward opened the scoring for the SUNS at home 15 seconds after the first bounce.
The impressive victory also saw Sam Day and Chris Burgess each snagging five goals.
Bodhi Uwland returned to the VFL squad for the first time this season, as did Brayden Fiorini, stalwart Sean Lemmens and SUNS top 2021 NAB AFL Draft pick Mac Andrew.
Fiorini hit the ground running with three goals, 27 disposals and seven clearances, and Andrew had 17 disposals and 13 marks.
Lemmens played in all four quarters and was instrumental in leading the defence.
Bailey Humphrey’s first quarter effort from a difficult angle outside the 50 metre arc is a contender for Goal of the Year.
Humphrey forced a turnover and evaded a tackle, before pulling the trigger and snagging the SUNS’ ninth goal in the first quarter.
Jed Anderson had a strong start with 10 early touches, before leaving the field in the second quarter with a leg injury and didn’t return.
Ruckman Ned Moyle had an incredible work rate leading the rucking stats with 37 hitouts, 21 disposals, nine clearances and a goal to top off his performance.
Rory Atkins and Charlie Constable were both also amongst the leading ball getters on ground.
In Round 3, The SUNS travel to Melbourne to take on the Sandringham Zebras on Sunday April 9, with the first bounce 11:05am.