A near full strength Gold Coast SUNS have demolished Southport Sharks on Saturday morning at Metricon Stadium, dominating the stats sheet in an unprecedented fashion to stroll to a 117-point win.
Jarrad Grant and Cameron Loersch both posted four goals, while Darcy Macpherson and draft prospect Brayden Crossley chipped in with three apiece in the 23.18 (156) to 6.3 (39) win.
The SUNS defensive structure was unbreakable, as the Sharks kicked down the line again and again right into a wave of red and gold jumpers.
Southport lacked run and vision, while the SUNS barely raised a sweat in a mostly bruise-free contest.
The home side’s domination of possession was astounding, winning the disposal count 483-283.
It was always going to be hard from the start for a struggling Southport as the SUNS lined up with 20 AFL listed players, but their lack of effort in the face of a challenge was apparent.
Despite controlling two-thirds of possession, the SUNS still managed to win the tackle count 47-40, while the Sharks had 15 players with 10 disposals or less and 19 players with two tackles or less.
Meanwhile Gold Coast shared the spoils with a spread of 12 goalkickers.
Macpherson roamed the expanses of Carrara unchecked, notching up 35 disposals and seven marks.
Ryan Davis swapped his usual forward role for that of a roaming half-back, collecting 27 disposals and eight marks.
Southport managed to curtail the SUNS momentum for five minutes midway through the first quarter, but from there the dam wall burst and with it the Sharks’ chances of an upset.
Trent McKenzie joined the party in the second quarter, unleashing the cannon from 65m metres to kick a trademark long goal.
Broadbeach Cats product Connor Nutting (17 disposals, six marks) was impressive for the SUNS, breaking lines and sending the ball forward decisively on numerous occasions.
The SUNS’ depth will be put to the ultimate test in a ‘2Clash’ against the Lions at Brendale on Saturday afternoon.
Gold Coast Suns v Southport Sharks at Metricon Stadium
GOLD COAST 6.6 10.12 16.13 23.18 (156)
SOUTHPORT 1.2 3.3 5.3 6.3 (39)
GOALS
Gold Coast: J Grant 4 C Loersch 4 D Macpherson 3 B Crossley 3 K Brooksby 2 B Fiorini M Hallahan T Nicholls M Willis D Currie M Shaw T McKenzie.
Southport: J Anthony 2 J Baxter W Hancock A Boston.
BEST
Gold Coast: D Macpherson R Davis M Hallahan J Lonergan C Nutting M Shaw.
Southport: J Keras J Moffa C West A Boston T Thynne.
