Suns defeat Melbourne for the first time, reach top four
Gold Coast beat Melbourne 9.7 (61) to 5.9 (39), achieving their first-ever victory over the Demons.
Gold Coast announced itself as a genuine premiership contender with a dominant 22-point win over Melbourne in Mackay on Saturday night. The victory marks the Suns' sixth consecutive win and secures a top-four spot with three rounds remaining.
Gold Coast controlled the game from the start despite humid conditions, building a 15-point half-time lead they never surrendered. Charlie Rowbottom led with a game-high 33 touches, while defenders Daisy D'Arcy (26 disposals, 10 intercepts) and Niamh McLaughlin (24 disposals, 13 intercepts) shut down Melbourne's attack.
Young forwards Havana Harris, Ava Usher and Mikayla Nurse each kicked two goals in a polished team performance.
- Six straight
- Consecutive wins
- 15 points
- Half-time lead
- Mackay
- Location
Why it mattersGold Coast proved they belong in the finals mix against a competition powerhouse, signalling they can challenge for a premiership despite their youth.
AustraliaAustralians watching the AFLW now see Gold Coast as genuine contenders, and the Suns' emergence strengthens the competition's depth ahead of the finals.
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