1. Saints come back in a thriller
It looked like the Suns had secured their first win since round five when they jumped out to a 39-point lead against the Saints deep in the third quarter. Up until that point, St Kilda had been beating the Suns in clearances, possessions and inside 50s, but just couldn’t find a route to goal. But it all came together for Alan Richardson's men in the last quarter with a run of five goals, Jade Gresham's great snapped goal from the pocket with a minute left on the clock sealing the comeback.
GRESHAM! #AFLSunsSaints pic.twitter.com/2398DFAWHZ
— AFL (@AFL) June 16, 2018
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2. St Kilda’s midfield stands up
Even when it looked like Gold Coast would come away with the win, St Kilda's midfield was strong all game and it was their clearance work around the stoppages that eventually led them to victory. Jack Steven put in a best-on-ground performance with 28 mostly quality disposals, while Seb Ross was hot on his heels with 33 touches, 10 marks and seven tackles. Saints fans will be pleased with the contributions from returning pair Jack Billings (27) and David Armitage (25). In the end they smashed the Suns in clearances, winning 53 to 22.
Jack Billings (r), with Josh Battle, was back in top form after a week in the VFL. Picture: AFL Photos
3. Suns' fourth-quarter woes continue.
It looked like Stuart Dew's men had it in the bag. Playing on their home turf, the Suns' first half was arguably their best for the season and heading into the fourth quarter they had a handy 31-point lead. That was until the Saints' steamrolled them in the final term, putting on five goals while the Suns didn’t register a single point. It's a worrying trend for Gold Coast, having now scored only two points in the past four final quarters.
The spotlight will be put on the Suns' poor finishes. Picture: AFL Photos
4. Tom Lynch fires in first half
There's been plenty of speculation about Tom Lynch's next contract and his three-goal first half was a good reminder of what the Suns' spearhead is capable of. Lynch had been quiet in recent weeks on return from a knee injury but looked lively early and helped Gold Coast get off to a good start. But the Suns' co-captain didn’t fire in the second half, and in the third quarter missed three set shots at goal that could have put the game away in Gold Coast's favour.
Set shot or on the run, it doesn't matter for Tom Lynch! #AFLSunsSaints pic.twitter.com/VeOUcP5mXA
— AFL (@AFL) June 16, 2018
5. Lachie Weller puts in his best shift for the Suns
The Suns paid a big price to secure Lachie Weller from Fremantle, handing over the number two draft pick in the off-season to bring him to the Gold Coast. He has been a steady performer without standing out so far this season, but this match was his best in Suns' colours. He had a match high 556 metres gained from his 19 disposals and mopped up well in the back half. His brother and former Sun Maverick Weller also put in a good shift, earning the praise of coach Alan Richardson after the game.