The Gold Coast SUNS' 2015 season has gotten off to a disappointing start, falling to Melbourne by 26 points at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
The new-look Demons weathered two separate rallies from the SUNS to win 17.13 (115) to 13.11 (89).
The SUNS' captain Gary Ablett, who finished with 19 possessions, tried to turn the game for his team in the final term, kicking brilliant back-to-back goals and cutting the margin to eight points.
However, the Demons showcased their newfound hardness and composure, with recruit Heritier Lumumba and Jack Watts responding with clutch goals.
The Demons out-tackled their opponents (66-53) and played at an intensity not seen for a long time, preventing the SUNS’ half-backs – including All-Australian Nick Malceski – from setting up play.
It was a tough day for new Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade, who was in charge of a senior team for the first time since 2011.
"We were outworked today and it was the difference in the end," Eade said.
"It's not an easy statement, but a lot of them didn't seem as if they'd turned up. Maybe they thought it was just going to happen, I'm not too sure.
"Dealing with footballer sometimes is a bit worse than dealing with racehorses."
He could lose Matt Shaw, reported for rough conduct on Dean Kent in the first five minutes, running back with the flight and cannoning into his opponent in a marking contest.
MELBOURNE 2.5 7.7 12.9 17.13 (115)
GOLD COAST 1.2 3.6 8.8 13.11 (89)
GOALS
Melbourne: Watts 3, Tyson 2, Garlett 2, Hogan 2, Newton 2, Jamar, Garland, N. Jones, vandenBerg, Lumumba, Salem
Gold Coast: Day 2, Rischitelli 2, Ablett 2, Sexton, Saad, Swallow, Gorringe, Bennell, Miller, Harbrow
BEST
Melbourne: N.Jones, Watts, Viney, Garlett, Newton, Howe, vandenBerg, Jamar
Gold Coast: Prestia, Rischitelli, Swallow, Bennell, Saad
INJURIES
Melbourne: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Jimmy Toumpas replaced Angus Brayshaw in the fourth quarter
Gold Coast: Jarrod Garlett replaced Sam Day at three-quarter time
Reports: Matt Shaw (Gold Coast) reported for rough conduct on Dean Kent (Melbourne)
Umpires: Donlon, Farmer, Hosking
Official crowd: 27,013 at the MCG
