A clinical performance in front of goal has cemented the Gold Coast SUNS’ position on top of the Smithy’s VFL Premiership ladder with a 21.11 (137) to 9.10 (64) 73-point victory over Richmond Tigers at the Swinburne Centre in Melbourne.
SUNS captain James Tsitas and Chris Burgess were dominant in front of goal with five goals apiece.
Tsitas led the pack in the midfield notching 20 disposals and six marks to accompany his impressive goal scoring figures.
Burgess had a standout performance with 19 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and 21 hit-outs in addition to the scores to his name.
Ned Moyle was strong in the ruck, making 25 of the SUNS total 48 hit-outs, before the ruckman was moved forward in the second half.
Sam Day opened the scoring in the second minute of the game in his return to the VFL side.
The SUNS continued to be accurate in front of goal snagging eight goals straight, seven coming in the first term, before a minor was added to the scoresheet.
Sam Flanders, in his first match since a knee injury, notched 30 disposals, 11 marks and four tackles in his valiant return to action.
Midfielder Connor Blakely was instrumental in shutting down the Richmond attack at the source as the leading tackler and disposal maker of the day with nine and 31 respectively.
Caleb Graham, Charlie Constable and Joel Jeffrey were critical to the SUNS’ comprehensive performance with a number of score involvements and crucial contested possessions.
Defensive numbers for the SUNS made the difference with key defender Graham leading the defensive brigade.
The SUNS never stopped the pressure on the home side, forcing errors from the Tigers in their back 50, leading to multiple scoring opportunities.
The 73-point victory was the third match for the SUNS this season where they scored over 130 points, with 11 different goal scorers on the scoresheet for the SUNS.
Gold Coast SUNS: 7.0, 13.5, 17.7, 21.11 (137)
Richmond Tigers: 3.2, 5.5, 9.8, 9.10 (64)
GOALS
Gold Coast SUNS: Chris Burgess 5, James Tsitas 5, Joel Jeffrey 2, Oskar Faulkhead 2, Sam Day, Hewago Oea, Bodhi Uwland, Ned Moyle, Elijah Hollands, Brodie McLaughlin, Charlie Constable
Richmond Tigers: Rhyan Mansell 3, Hugo Ralphsmith 2, Harrison White, Brad Melville, Bigoa Nyuon, Joel Nathan
