Proving all the critics wrong, the Gold Coast Suns had a dominating performance over the Collingwood Magpies. Their 42-point victory was the first sign of their offensive dominance. What a clash to kick-start our opening night at Metricon Stadium! The Suns played like the Suns, getting star performances from many of their superstars. The evening turned bitter when Collingwood’s All-Australian defender Jeremy Howe went down with a gruesome injury on a routine defensive play. He was evaluated after leaving the field late in the first quarter.
The Suns soon stamped their authority on proceedings, with ball-winner Matt Rowell kicking the first goal of the game. His classic long set shot to start leasing the scoring opened up the floodgates. In retrospect, it began to signal a long night in store for the Magpies. Despite the early setback, Collingwood’s response was lackluster, leading to a first-half performance that would be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Key Player Performances
Ben King proved to be a key acquisition for the Suns, as he led their offense, providing sparkling offensive talents. In his final game against Essendon, King was limited to just six disposals. All of that aside, he still scored four goals! It wasn’t a one-off either, against Collingwood he continued his goalscoring run, booting two of the Suns’ six-goal opening half. With this showing, he continued to solidify his position as the team’s most dangerous forward.
Noah Anderson was equally brilliant, too, top-scoring for the team with 19 disposals and four clearances. His ability to dictate play from the midfield was critical to keeping the Suns’ momentum going all match. Helping out was John Noble with nine touches, making him one of Gold Coast’s best ball-winners on the ground. Dan Houston was the game’s best on ground, finishing with a game high 11 disposals. He further recorded a staggering 286 meters earned, underscoring his ability to break and transition play with great distinction.
The Suns’ collective effort was evident, and their teamwork paid off as they capitalized on Collingwood’s deficiencies. The team’s strong performance provided a stark contrast to Collingwood’s struggles on the field.
Collingwood Struggles
Things were going much worse for Collingwood. The team struggled offensively and failed to score in the first half, a rarity not seen since Round 11 of 2021 against Geelong. This was the first time since Round 21 of 2023 that Collingwood were kept goalless in a first term. Veteran leaders of the caliber of Josh Daicos and Jack Crisp worked to keep their team focused. They resolved for little more than 13 disposals each, well below their collective weight.
Titans Nick Daicos flashed some brilliance with six disposals and 133 meters gained. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough to propel his team to victory. The Magpies’ attacking machine was shut down by a ringing Suns defence, which did a great job at shutting down any scoring opportunities.
As the game marched on, Ethan Read then curled one of the best goals you’ll see from 30 meters out, extending the Suns’ advantage to 45 points. This remarkable goal shot Gold Coast out to a 39-point lead. This goal personified the Suns’ confidence and offensive execution on the day as they danced away to an unassailable lead which left Collingwood dazed.
Injury Concerns and Future Outlook
Things got even more difficult for Collingwood when Jeremy Howe went down late in the first quarter to be assessed. His absence immediately thrust further doubt into what was already a shaky defensive unit going forward. Howe’s impact was felt prior to this match. It’s his injury that presently looms large over Collingwood’s future matches.
Darcy Moore certainly made his presence known and had a number of intercept marks and spoils to have the crowd gasping. Even Booker’s stonewalling defense couldn’t hold back the onslaught of the Suns. Howe’s injury combined with Gold Coast’s vastly improved form make it a difficult ask for Collingwood. If they hope to address these shortcomings, they’re going to have to rethink.
Coach Damien Hardwick surely didn’t expect that it would be this lopsided of a showing against their rival expanding franchise. The victory — against all odds — uplifts the team’s morale and energizes their spirit. It puts them in good stead for future encounters as they look to capitalise on this success.
