The Gold Coast SUNS have made a statement of intent on the eve of the 2024 AFLW season, accounting for the Western Bulldogs in the final practice match on Saturday evening.
Five goals from Jamie Stanton highlighted a dominant display from Cameron Joyce’s side who ran out 10.8 (68) to 3.2 (20) victors at People First Stadium.
The SUNS shot out of the gates, dominating the midfield battle in the early stages and piling on three goals inside the opening six minutes. The SUNS held a 32-point lead at the opening break, shutting out the Bulldogs in the opening term before increasing that lead at every interval.
Twenty-four players got crucial minutes into the legs ahead of the Saturday, August 31 season opener against St Kilda at People First Stadium. Charlie Rowbottom (29 touches), Claudia Whitfort (28) and Lucy Single (21) were the major ball winners for the Gold Coast with Stanton (five goals) leading the way on the scoreboard alongside Jac Dupuy (two), Ella Maurer, Tara Bohanna and Georgia Clayden (one each).
Gaelic football convert Lauren McConville also played her first match in SUNS colours, showing plenty of dash across half-forward.
The SUNS next take on Round 1 against the Saints. Tickets are available for that match here.
