1. Fiery Suns try to burn Dogs early
As well as kicking the first three goals of the game, Gold Coast was also on the attack on the physical front in Cairns, with Jason Johannisen once again in the crosshairs of the opposition. Tagged by Alex Sexton, the defensive playmaker had to withstand several physical tests, but still managed to collect six first-term possessions and provide plenty of run. The football then took centre stage ahead of the fisticuffs until the quarter-time siren, when Jack Redpath and Tom Lynch got into a fiery altercation, and the two appeared to exchange several jumper punches. The incident then descended into a melee involving every player on the ground, so it'll likely mean both clubs have to get their wallets out this week.

WATCH: Tensions break out in Cairns

2. Not hard Picken best on ground
Going into this game, Liam Picken had a career-best haul of three majors, but he doubled that in the win over the Suns with a team-high six goals. The hard-running midfielder never stopped moving from siren-to-siren, constantly giving the Bulldogs an option all over the ground. Birthday boy Bailey Dale also had a night out, continuing his breakout season to kick a career-best three goals. The 20-year-old has become an important link man, with his run, carry and kicking skills regularly on show in 2017. A contract extension shouldn’t be far away for the Edithvale-Aspendale product. 

WATCH: Picken's record haul at Cazaly's

3. Short Suns left stretched in defence
With co-captain Steven May sidelined with a hamstring injury, and fellow key defender Rory Thompson a late withdrawal with a hamstring concern, an injury-ravaged Gold Coast had to make do with a diminutive defence. Out of the starting back six, Trent McKenzie was the tallest at 191cm, and the playmaker had his hands full minding the hulking Jack Redpath, who stands 194cm and 99kg. Runners Jarrod Harbrow (178cm), Jack Bowes (187cm), Alex Sexton (185cm) and Adam Saad (178cm) all toiled manfully. First-gamer Jack Scrimshaw also spent time trying to nullify Redpath. 

4. Luck deserts dogged defender again
Veteran Dale Morris' recent wretched run with injury has continued, with the reliable defender sustaining a broken forearm in Cairns. Opposed to Suns’ skipper Tom Lynch in a marking contest during the second quarter, the 34-year-old fell awkwardly and immediately signalled to the bench in obvious pain. He ran straight off the ground, and would take no further part in the game. Morris’ latest mishap comes after he missed seven weeks with a broken leg sustained in round one against Collingwood. He also missed the round 12 loss to Sydney with an ankle concern. Those mishaps are minor compared to a broken right tibia he received in round 21, 2011. That horrific injury forced him to miss the whole of the 2012 season.

5. Dogs get desperate to keep season alive
With their premiership defence sputtering along, the Dogs did what they needed to against injury-depleted Gold Coast, and walked away from Cairns with a minor percentage boost. They smashed the Suns in the contested ball (139-116) and had 23 more inside 50s in the 54-point win. The midfield isn’t back to the form that saw them collect last year’s flag, but the past two weeks have been much better performances. Redpath could come under scrutiny from the Match Review Panel for a jumper punch exchange with Tom Lynch at quarter time. If he is suspended, Travis Cloke had another encouraging display in the VFL with three goals. The Dale Morris injury will hurt, but the emergence of youngster Lewis Young should offset the devastating blow.