The Gold Coast Suns made history on March 16, 2025, with a record-breaking victory over the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium. The Suns dominated the match from the onset, leading to an impressive final score of 20.16 (136) to 7.7 (49), which marks Gold Coast's largest win since the club's inception 15 years ago.
New captain Noah Anderson led the charge, amassing 36 disposals, nine clearances, and three goal assists, exemplifying the Suns' strong midfield performance. He was well supported by Matt Rowell, who also delivered a stellar performance with 30 disposals, 10 clearances, and eight tackles, alongside Touk Miller, who contributed 26 disposals, 10 clearances, and two goals.
Gold Coast's forward line was led by Ben King, who achieved a career-best by kicking six goals during the match. His performance included pulling down a stunning mark during the third quarter, which showcased his athleticism and skill. Ben Long also shone bright, netting four goals, followed by Jake Rogers with three and Read with two goals.
West Coast struggled to keep pace throughout the match, with only Jake Waterman and Oscar Allen managing to score two goals each. The Eagles were outclassed, particularly in the midfield, where they conceded ownership of clearances (50-33) and frequently found themselves under pressure from Gold Coast's hunting packs. West Coast's midfield was outplayed and, as the match progressed, they found it increasingly challenging to respond to the Suns' relentless offense.
The match was competitive only through the first quarter, which ended with Gold Coast holding just a 16-point lead. By halftime, the Suns had expanded their lead to 45 points, and they continued to control the game throughout the second half, leading by as much as 60 points going the final change.
New recruits Daniel Rioli and John Noble made significant contributions as Rioli scored two goals for Gold Coast, marking his successful debut with the club. Meanwhile, former Richmond players Jack Graham and Liam Baker fought hard during their initial games with West Coast, demonstrating their skills and determination.
The Suns displayed remarkable teamwork and execution, and their clear strategy was evident all over the ground. They effectively turned their defensive wins from the ruck work of Jarrod Witts and their midfield dominance directly back onto West Coast's goals, proving too much for their opponents.
Despite the loss, West Coast's Graham and Baker were identified among the few highlights for the Eagles, showing effort and resolve throughout the match. Waterman had to leave the field during the third quarter for precautionary reasons due to a calf injury, and co-captain Liam Duggan (ankle) and midfielder Jack Hutchinson (hamstring awareness) also remained on the bench by the game's conclusion.
The match drew a crowd of 46,532 at Optus Stadium, showcasing the fan interest and support for both teams. Gold Coast's convincing performance left the spectators buzzing, and many are now eager to see how they will carry this momentum forward.
Looking forward, West Coast will need to regroup quickly as they face the defending premiers, Brisbane, at the Gabba next Sunday, March 23, 2025. The coming week will be pivotal for their coaching staff and players to reassess strategies and potentially look for players who can step up as part of their recovery process.
This match serves as both encouragement and aspiration for Gold Coast; under Coach Andrew McQualter, rebuilding from here holds promise as the team capitalizes on the newfound confidence and sharp execution seen on the field.
Overall, Gold Coast Suns fans are optimistic, buoyed by this historic win, marking what could be the start of something special this season.