STUART Dew could only shake his head and laugh.

The Gold Coast coach's reaction to Izak Rankine's remarkable first goal on Saturday evening, which saw the youngster soccer the ball through off the ground while off-balance, spoke volumes.

>>WATCH the incredible goal and Dew's reaction in the player above

In his own words, Dew was in "disbelief". He had every reason to be, as Rankine's fantastic start to his AFL career continued with another two goals from 16 disposals and eight score involvements in Saturday's 32-point victory over Sydney.

06:59

Highlights: Sydney v Gold Coast

The Swans and Suns clash in round seven

"It's something he practices," Dew said.

"For any kids out there watching, he doesn't fluke that. He practices those things.

SUNS SIZZLE Full match coverage and stats

"I guess it (the reaction) was a little bit of disbelief, but I probably shouldn't be surprised because he can do that.

"It was another four shots on goal. His presence around the ball is great to watch. Certainly, the opposition know where he is. I think Harry (Cunningham) did a pretty good job on him and he's had four shots on goal.

"He just looks like he's enjoying his football and so he should, because he's missed a lot and that's the thing he loves. It's exciting for us to see."

08:53

Dew: 'We're starting to make strides'

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew was pleased to come away with the win after 'a real battle'

A young Sydney side was forced to rejig its forward line in Saturday's defeat, with Isaac Heeney joining superstar forward Lance Franklin on the sidelines due to injury.

Aliir Aliir was thrown forward to good effect as he finished with two goals, while Tom McCartin also returned from injury to boot two goals as the Swans finally found some rhythm inside 50.

In more promising news, Sam Reid made it through Saturday's training session unscathed as he recovers from a long-term calf injury, with the veteran forward expected to be in the selection frame ahead of next week's clash with Hawthorn.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 06:33

    Longmire: 'Next gen mids need to pick up slack'

    Sydney coach John Longmire wants to see the Swans' younger onballers step up in the absence of injured duo Josh Kennedy and Isaac Heeney

    AFL
  • 08:53

    Dew: 'We're starting to make strides'

    Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew was pleased to come away with the win after 'a real battle'

    AFL
  • 06:59

    Highlights: Sydney v Gold Coast

    The Swans and Suns clash in round seven

    AFL
  • 00:32

    Hayward hurdled after stunning goal

    Will Hayward snaps an outrageous goal and is then hurdled by Tom Papley

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Pure class from Suns' ball mover

    Lachie Weller shows his skill at this boundary throw-in

    AFL
  • 00:29

    Sydney's goalkicking star snaps a pearler

    Swans small forward Tom Papley hits the scoreboard with an excellent finish

    AFL
  • 00:37

    Day's double effort gives Suns brilliant goal

    Not satisfied with the smother, Sam Day follows it up with a terrific snap

    AFL
  • 00:39

    Dew's priceless reaction to ridiculous Rankine

    Mid-air magic from precocious Sun Izak Rankine leaves Stuart Dew shaking his head

    AFL

"We went in last week with Isaac Heeney at centre-half forward and with Luke Parker at full-forward," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"We needed to get some height in front of the ball, so we did that tonight to try and do that.

"Obviously, with Tom coming back in, that was useful … it was good to get him back in the team. Aliir was a target up there and kicked a couple of goals." 

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