Senior Coach Stuart Dew has praised his side’s response to a disappointing Round 1 defeat as a fast start set-up the SUNS first AFL win of 2021.

The SUNS kicked the game’s first three majors to take a 14-point lead over the Kangaroos into quarter time which then extended to 44 points at the main break on the back of a six-goal to one second quarter.

“I guess we were aware of a few things we needed to work on where we felt cost us the game (against West Coast),” Dew said post-match.

“The start was important given our start last week. That was a real focal point.

“There were some real lapses where we opened the gate. A couple of late goals, they’re the ones we need to stamp out to not release the pressure we had on the opposition.

“But it’s really important for the footy club that we responded.”

Noah Anderson had a night to remember, racking up a career-high 35 disposals which included 10 score involvements – a figure only bettered by teammate Jack Lukosius who also impressed with 12 score involvements from his 21 touches, including the opening goal.

Dew was full of praise for the pair and hinted at a potential role change for Lukosius if a knee injury to Sam Day was to keep the key forward out of action.

“He (Anderson) been consistent from the minute he walked in the door and it was the same last year when Matt (Rowell) went down, Noah stood up,” Dew said.

“He plays like a man and is a pleasure to have around the footy club.

“Jack (Lukosius) is so flexible, he reads the game well. There’s potential he could spend more time forward because he’s a really good user (of the footy).”

Dew conceded injuries to Day and Connor Budarick had soured the victory. Both players didn’t run out the game with knee injuries, with early signs indicating Budarick’s to be the more severe of the two.

"We feel for him (Budarick) because he’s obviously disappointed and we think that might be on the more severe side," Dew said.

"We love Connor. He’s come into the footy club and played from day one.

"Sam will be a little bit more wait and see."

The Qscan Injury update will be on goldcoastfc.com.au tomorrow.