Whether to leave the roof open or close the roof firmly shut has always been a point of contention for footy at Etihad Stadium. That's why some mild outrage was sparked when the stadium sent out a tweet prior to the match, stating: "Weather permitting, the roof will be open for today's match, however the status will be confirmed prior to gates opening". That sent the Kangaroos over the edge, with coach Brad Scott a long time opponent of leaving the stadium's roof open during games. Thankfully, with Melbourne's miserable weather hanging around, commonsense prevailed and stadium management made the call to shut the roof. Roof and case closed.
2 A ruck and a hard place
A posterior cruciate ligament injury to Tom Nicholls' left knee was a sour point from Gold Coast's inspiring win on Sunday. Making his return from an ankle injury, the 22-year-old was a key inclusion for the seventh-placed Suns. Todd Goldstein won the battle for much of the day, gaining the advantage in the hit-outs at least. With Zac Smith still on the long-term injury list and nearing a return after the bye, the Suns' woes have been further compounded by recent Achilles surgery to Daniel Gorringe. A definite conundrum for the Suns.
3. Tall trio sparks Suns
When Gold Coast had its pick of the nation's top juniors in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, it ensured the team's spine would be looked after by selecting twin towers Sam Day with pick No. 3 and Tom Lynch with pick No. 11. Both were regarded as two of the most athletic teenagers to have come through the U18 talent identification system. Day, Lynch and Charlie Dixon, the Suns' 2010 local talent access selection, all had big influences on the match. Day's athleticism to chase down Brent Harvey in the third quarter was one of the game's highlights, while all three hit the scoreboard at opportune stages of the game. The tall trio is going to be tough to stop this season, and into the future.
4. Scorching Suns
Gold Coast stunned the North Melbourne-pro crowd with seven goals to one in a dominant opening term at Etihad Stadium. The Kangaroos did not kick a goal until the 27th minute mark of the term as the young Suns ran rings around their more experienced opponents. Their rapid ball movement and ability to run at speed troubled the Kangaroos, with the returning Harley Bennell and Brandon Matera leading the charge. Their ability to charge back, unattended and spread from the contest with confidence was a clear highlight in the club's first ever win at Etihad Stadium from seven attempts.
5. Rebounding Roos
After dealing with the Gold Coast avalanche, the Kangaroos came back with an impressive run of their own. The Roos booted six goals in the second term to edge themselves back into the contest. They lifted their work rate around the ball and started to take advantage of Todd Goldstein's ruck dominance (43 hit-outs). Ben Cunnington, in particular, lifted his effort with 14 disposals in the quarter to have a major impact on the Roos' revival. Cunnington finished with 27 disposals to be one of the Kangaroos' best, but it was not enough as North fell to a superior running unit in the young Suns.
Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
