Gold Coast Secures 10th Consecutive AFL Win in Darwin
Gold Coast managed to overcome a late challenge from Port Adelaide, securing their 10th straight AFL win in Darwin. The game appeared to be decided at three-quarter time, but the Power made a strong comeback with a three-goal surge. However, they failed to convert on three more opportunities, which proved decisive as the Suns emerged victorious with a final score of 15.8 (98) to 10.13 (73) in the humid conditions.
The Suns faced several challenges during the match, including the late withdrawal of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and injuries to Lachie Weller and Will Graham. Despite these setbacks, Gold Coast managed to maintain their composure and secure another win. This victory follows their previous win against St Kilda last weekend in Darwin.
Suns coach Damien Hardwick praised his team’s resilience, especially after losing two players in the first half. “It was terrific. Obviously going two players down in the first half was incredibly tough, and we played eight quarters in pretty tough conditions,” he said. “I was really proud of the boys. We dug in deep.”
Hardwick explained that Ugle-Hagan had suffered an ankle injury during Thursday training. “It wouldn’t have been the right thing to push him out there. We’ll be available to play hopefully next week,” he added.
Noah Anderson, the Suns’ captain, was outstanding with 33 possessions and eight clearances. Zak Butters, the Power’s onballer, showed great potential with a match-high 35 disposals.
Gold Coast improved their record to 7-3, while the Power struggled with inconsistent performance around halftime and poor goalkicking, leaving them at 3-7.
Port Adelaide briefly took the lead midway through the second term, but this only motivated the Suns to step up their game. “The second quarter, it was like two halves of a quarter—the first half, we got so much right,” said Port coach Josh Carr. “Then the 17-minute mark of the second quarter, centre bounce really hurt us, and they kicked five goals straight (to halftime).”
Despite the loss, Carr was pleased with the Power’s determination to see the game through.
The Suns delivered a powerful seven-goal performance in the second and third terms, which put the Power under significant pressure. At three-quarter time, Gold Coast led by 40 points, making the match seem all but over. However, Port made a late push when Joe Richards kicked his third goal at 19 minutes into the final quarter, giving them a slim chance.
Richards then hit the post, and Port missed a couple of other chances. With just a few minutes left, Jed Walter kicked his third goal for the Suns, sealing the victory. Ned Moyle, the Suns’ ruckman, also contributed with three goals.
Ugle-Hagan was ruled out on Friday due to an ankle injury, and Jarrod Witts stepped in for him. After scoring the first goal of the game, Graham was forced off in the second term due to concussion. Weller also suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter.
Port Adelaide lost Lachie Jones in the second term due to concussion, while talls Dante Visentini and Jordon Sweet received treatment for facial injuries after colliding late in the third term. Ben King, the Coleman Medal leader, managed to kick one goal, but he effectively limited Aliir Aliir’s intercept marking.
