Bailey Humphrey enjoyed a standout performance as Gold Coast bounced back from a rough start to defeat Sydney, marking their best beginning to an AFL season with a 38-point victory.
The Suns secured a 17.15 (117) to 12.7 (79) victory at Carrara on Sunday, following a surprising loss to Richmond, and improved their record to a club-best 5-1 ahead of next week’s QClash against the reigning champions, Brisbane (6-1).
Jed Walter scored two goals before halftime, triggering a dominant phase where the Suns kicked 12 unanswered goals while the Swans (2-5) managed only one behind from midway through the second to the fourth quarters.
Ben King (five goals) reclaimed the top spot in the Coleman Medal rankings, while Jarrod Witts excelled in the ruck. Bailey Humphrey delivered an impressive performance with 18 disposals and four goals, even on a day when Matt Rowell had a quieter outing. The Suns rallied from a 29-point deficit during the second quarter.
Initially struggling, the Suns lost the first eight centre clearances and made several errors, leaving coach Damien Hardwick puzzled by their slow start.
Chad Warner (24 disposals, two goals), who recently signed a high-profile contract extension, managed to score after the Swans quickly capitalized on four free kicks in as many minutes, which led to three rapid goals.
Gold Coast turned up the heat in the second quarter, gaining momentum with goals from Daniel Rioli and Humphrey.
However, the Swans responded with increased pressure, as Braeden Campbell contributed two goals, sandwiching Warner’s excellent second goal, which was a skillful curling effort from his left foot.
James Jordan’s relentless chase down of Rowell showcased the Swans’ effort to reclaim possession, energizing the team.
This pressure faded as the match progressed, but Witts led Gold Coast’s counterattack, effectively disrupting the Swans’ plays and staying calm under pressure.
Walter (three goals) capitalized on two free kicks to keep the Suns within three goals at halftime, while the Swans struggled in front of 18,034 fans.
King and Walter brought the Suns within a goal, and then Rioli took advantage of a lapse in concentration to give the Suns the lead.
That lead increased to 10 points when the ramping Ben Long scored the Suns’ sixth consecutive goal.
Humphrey then blasted one from 55 meters, followed by King’s third goal, which put him on top of the Coleman Medal standings.
Rowell, who had only one clearance combined with Noah Anderson at halftime, made a significant impact by scoring a goal and providing an assist at the start of the fourth quarter.
Gold Coast’s halfback John Noble led the disposal count with 30 touches, helping the Suns improve their dismal record against last year’s runners-up to 4-13.
