Gold Coast has ended its 19-game losing streak with a stunning upset win over West Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
The SUNS, who hadn't won a match since round four last year, dominated the second half to run away with the 14.6 (90) to 6.10 (46) win.
Matt Rowell, in just his second game of AFL football, was best on ground with a performance that defied his age and experience.
He finished with 25 disposals and two goals, but it was his third quarter where he had eight touches, kicked a goal and gained 151m that inspired his side to victory.
The SUNS booted five goals for the term to open up a 26-point lead going into the final change and effectively kill off the Eagles' charge.
In even more encouraging signs for the fledgling club it was the younger brigade that lead the way.
Along with Rowell, Noah Anderson (19 and one goal), Jack Bowes (17), Jack Lukosius (13 and one goal) and Ben King (seven marks and one goal) were all valuable contributors.
The loss leaves big question marks on the Eagles' premiership aspirations given they were at full-strength.
They lacked energy and struggled to hit targets in a hugely disappointing performance.
Another landmark for best mates
Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson have done everything together so it was no surprise they both slotted their first goals in the same quarter. The best mates, who played together as juniors and were taken with the first two picks in last year's NAB AFL Draft, showed composure beyond their years with two classy goals. After taking an uncontested mark, Anderson calmly went back and slotted a set shot from a slight angle just inside the 50m arc. Rowell joined his best mate on the scoresheet 10 minutes later when he burst through traffic and kicked a ripper on the run.
Match Review worry for gun SUN
Alex Sexton faces a nervous wait after he was reported for a high bump on Jeremy McGovern. Sexton might be saved after McGovern was able to quickly get to his feet and remonstrate, but it could have been much worse. The incident left the star Eagle fuming and he retaliated a minute later by pushing Sexton beyond the boundary line into the fence.
Miller claims another scalp
Tim Kelly was easily the Eagles' best player in the first half with 16 disposals and four clearances. The former Cat was showing plenty of class and poise despite the slippery conditions. Touk Miller was sent to the star Eagle in the second half and while it wasn't a hard tag, Kelly had nowhere near as much influence as he did in the opening two quarters.
GOLD COAST 2.0 6.2 11.4 14.6 (90)
WEST COAST 1.4 5.5 6.8 6.10 (46)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Day 2, Rowell 2, Ainsworth 2, Weller, Lemmens, Anderson, Greenwood, King, Holman, Lukosius, Macpherson
West Coast: Allen 2, Shuey, Kennedy, Petruccelle, Darling
BEST
Gold Coast: Rowell, Day, Weller, Bowes, Anderson, Miller
West Coast: Shuey, Gaff, Kelly, Naitanui
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
West Coast: Nil
