Interim Coach Steven King has praised his side’s connecdtness in a win ‘that means more than four points.’

The SUNS led at every change to record its first QClash win against the Lions since 2018, doing so in style with a 41-point thumping at Heritage Bank Stadium.

Speaking post-match, King says his side drew motivation from a disappointing result against the Giants last weekend, treating the loss as a line in the sand moment.

“Our playing group had enough, as a footy club we’d had enough, of honourable losses. The players found it within themselves to create a really positive memory for themselves and the club,” King said.

“This group is unbelievable. When we’re connected for four quarters, this is the result.

“We knew our best is good enough to challenge any team. The disappointment of last week was a source of motivation for us.

“We’re still a young group, we still have lapses. Each time you have a moment or a result that doesn’t go your way, it has to mean something. We’re starting to educate ourselves on what that moment feels like and then finding a moment to stand up.

“That win means more than four points.”

Touk Miller won his fourth Marcus Ashcroft Medal with a dynamic performance that saw the SUNS skipper nullify the threat of Lions midfielder Lachie Neale and create plenty going forward for the hosts as well.

It was a SUNS midfield full of variation with Matt Rowell spending significant time in the forward half with more on-ball time afforded to a number of the SUNS younger brigade.

“We felt like we could get an advantage in other parts of the ground with our mid depth. Sam Flanders and David Swallow spent more time in the middle, as did Bailey Humphrey - he was a bit starved for opportunity last week,” King said.

“To do that you need players who are willing to do what’s best for the team and they did that tonight.”

The SUNS now turn its focus to back-to-back away dates against the Crows and Swans before returning home to Heritage Bank Stadium a fortnight later for its final home game of the season against Carlton on Saturday, August 19.