Take a look at the media's reaction following the SUNS' convincing victory over the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.
Dixon’s six inspires SUNS’ first win
Courier Mail
Greg Davis
Gold Coast claimed its first win of the season and the scalp of Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff in the convincing 64-point win over the Lions in a ‘Demolition Derby’ at Metricon Stadium.
Rockliff’s night was over after just seven minutes when he was floored by a bump from SUNS defender Steven May that left the Brisbane captain with a sore jaw and concussion.
Brisbane’s night was done and dusted after the first quarter as the home side kicked 12 goals to five across the next two terms to break their duck for 2015 and leave the winless Lions last on the ladder after five rounds.
The SUNS were able to shine because the sun shone on Metricon Stadium all day after torrential storms on Friday and let the Gold Coast’s superior class come to the fore to claim their first home-and-away win since Round 19 last year.
Gold Coast Suns take first win as Brisbane Lions hit new low
The Age
Andrew Stafford
As one commentator drolly noted, you could see occasional glimpses of why neither of these two Queensland teams have won a game leading into this clash.
At least one team had to win, and it was the SUNS – more talented, and on the day, harder and more committed to the contest – who cruised to victory over their local rivals, whose disastrous start to the season continued. Winning a match is almost secondary for the Lions right now: they've won just one quarter for the season.
The win came at a cost for the already injury-hit SUNS, too. Centre half-back Rory Thompson was a late withdrawal, draftee Jarrod Garlett (ankle) was substituted in the first quarter, and defender Seb Tape went off late with an ankle problem. The SUNS finished with just two fit players on the bench and plenty of bruises.
But that, at least, was indicative of a far more committed performance. And the SUNS at least have something the Lions don't have: two genuine key forward targets in Tom Lynch and Charlie Dixon. The latter, when fit and firing, is arguably the biggest presence in their line-up; his six goals were instrumental in the SUNS' easy victory.
Derby win revitalises side but Adelaide will be tougher
Gold Coast Bulletin
Neale Grundy
The SUNS have taken a much-needed step forward with their 10-goal demolition of Brisbane Lions on Saturday but the real test is six days away.
It was one thing to put to the sword a team riddled with injuries and bereft of self-belief but the Crows present a far more imposing challenge in Round 6.
A forward line featuring three pillars – Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins and Tom Lynch – will stretch the SUNS’ back six given the likelihood key defender Steven May will come to the attention of the match review panel today for his bump on Tom Rockliff.
