Sloppy start costs the SUNS

Gold Coast were jumped early by their Queensland rivals, with the Brisbane Lions booting the first seven goals of the game to completely stun the SUNS.

At the 19-minute mark, the Lions held a 44-point lead before Alex Sexton booted Gold Coast’s first goal to a round of Bronx cheers around Metricon Stadium.

The SUNS were incredibly sloppy in the first 20 minutes, missing targets, dropping marks, turning over the footy and succumbing to the pressure of the Lions who simply outworked the home side in a dominant display.

Although Gold Coast would fight back in the second half, the damage had been done. A long way from the start coach Rodney Eade was hoping for in 2017.


The second half revival

Trailing by 46-points at the main break, the SUNS emerged from the rooms determined to make amends in the second half. They got off to the perfect start with Touk Miller booting a goal inside the first two minutes before 50th gamer Sean Lemmens revived the ‘Candyman’ nickname with a brilliant major.

An eight-goal to three third quarter saw Gold Coast cut the margin to just 17-points at the final change with all the momentum on their side after late goals to Josh Schoenfeld and Aaron Hall.

The SUNS were wasteful early in the final term before Tom Lynch kicked his second goal of the game to reduce Brisbane’s lead to single figures. When Hall slammed one home from beyond 50, the margin was back to two points and Gold Coast were surging.

But with the challenge coming, the Lions would answer. Lewis Taylor snapped truly with 6:32 left in the game to restore his side’s lead and although Lynch would boot his third to bring the SUNS back within a point, the home side just couldn’t quite get over the line.



Ainsworth shows his potential

One of the rare highlights of the opening half was watching last year’s No. 4 draft pick Ben Ainsworth boot his first goal at AFL level. After earning a free kick for a push in the back, the 19-year-old made no mistake from just inside 50, directly in front, giving the SUNS a spark heading into the half time break.

Ainsworth showed plenty after half time, running down Sam Mayes early in the third quarter to highlight his defensive game before kicking his second goal of the game after running back with the flight to courageously mark in the goal square whilst crashing into the boundary fence at full speed.

The Gippsland Power product showed composure beyond his years in the last quarter to find Tom Lynch in the forward 50 and his pressure around stoppages was outstanding.

Mark our words – it will take time but Ainsworth will be quite some player for the Gold Coast SUNS.



Adam Saad’s dash provides a spark

The electric small defender left the field in the second term after a heavy knock to undergo concussion testing, but bounced back in the second half to spark the SUNS into action. He found Touk Miller on his left foot to set up Gold Coast’s first goal of the half and took the game on with his run and carry.

Saad finished with 15 disposals, four rebound 50s, 12 bounces, five inside 50s, two goal assists and 475 metres gained. If only his kick for goal midway through the last quarter sailed through the big sticks – it would’ve put the SUNS in front and perhaps provided the catalyst they needed. But unfortunately four premiership points don’t come on the back of ‘what ifs’ and Gold Coast now has the unenviable task of travelling to Sydney to take on GWS as they look to register their first victory of the season.


David Swallow’s late withdrawal

To the chagrin of AFL Fantasy and Supercoach players across the country, West Australian David Swallow was a late withdrawal to take on the Lions.

The 2014 Club Champion was looking to play his first senior game in 623 days, but unfortunately a rolled ankle at training was enough to keep Swallow out of the side with youngster Josh Schoenfeld coming in to the team.

No doubt there will be a lot of interest in this week’s Optomo Injury Update to see when Swallow is likely to return to football.


Numbers are deceiving

At the half time break, the SUNS held the advantage in clearances (24-16), inside 50s (36-27) and contested possessions (86-84), controlling the play for much of the second quarter with nearly 75 per cent of the game spent in their forward half.

But when it came to the most important statistic, the scoreboard, Gold Coast trailed Brisbane by 46 points with the visitors making the most of the opportunities presented and defending like their lives depended on it.

It was a much different Lions outfit to the one that ran out in 2017, with their manic pressure in the opening half impeccable.

The SUNS finished the game with 32 more inside 50s, but nothing to show for it.



Some other positives

Touk Miller’s emergence as a bona fide midfielder continued in round one, with the 21-year-old collecting 27 disposals (17 contested) and six clearances. In a display that indicated he can get back to his best, Gary Ablett amassed 28 touches, eight tackles, 12 inside 50s, 609 metres gained and two goal assists.


Remember, it’s a long season and we’re just one week into a 22-week season. A lot can happen from here and although it’s not the ideal start for the SUNS, each season is a marathon, not a sprint and there is ample opportunity to bounce back from here.