Gold Coast’s Resilient Comeback in Darwin
Gold Coast made a strong recovery from a slow start to secure a 29-point victory over St Kilda in Darwin. Despite missing key players Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Callum Wilkie, the Suns managed to dominate the game with their resilience and strategic play.
Wanganeen-Milera was a last-minute withdrawal due to leg soreness, while Wilkie had to leave the field in the second term with a back injury. This absence of two crucial players tested the team’s depth, but they rose to the occasion.
Sam Collins, the Suns’ key defender, was outstanding on the night, while Ben King kicked four goals in the 13.11 (89) to 8.12 (60) win. The Suns have now won their last nine games in Darwin, showing their dominance in this venue.
Suns coach Damien Hardwick praised the team’s maturity after they were five goals down at one point. “It was a really mature response when you’re five goals down, especially against a well-coached, well-drilled side like St Kilda,” he said. The team showed great composure and bounced back effectively.
Key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan also faced an injury scare in the last quarter, leaving the field after jarred a knee in a marking contest. However, he was running without any apparent discomfort after the game, which is a positive sign for the team.
Wilkie’s injury could potentially end his 164-game streak as a Saints co-captain. St Kilda’s ironman has not missed a game since his 2019 debut and rarely leaves the ground, making this injury a significant concern for the team.
The game was played in energy-sapping conditions, with temperatures in the high 20s and plenty of humidity. Gold Coast kicked 12 goals to three after quarter-time, showcasing their ability to adapt to challenging environments.
After King kicked the opening goal, it seemed like the Saints would maintain their momentum. They went on a five-goal run and built a 25-point lead at quarter time. Darcy Wilson had kicked two goals, and the Saints were out-pressuring Gold Coast.
However, the Suns quickly rebounded, kicking five goals in 11 minutes to wrest back the lead. Daniel Rioli’s scything run out of defense set up Lachie Weller for their second goal. Rioli and John Noble were critical to the Suns’ comeback with their ball use and run off half-back, while Collins was imperious and star midfielder Christian Petracca was prominent after a quiet start.
While St Kilda comfortably won the clearances 39-21 for the game, the Suns’ defense was too good. Bodhi Uwland also starred with his intercept marking.
“Our turnover game was really strong … our backs were outstanding,” Hardwick said.
The Saints had their chances in the second term, but sprayed four behinds – the first time this season they had been goalless in a quarter. King kicked another two goals in the third term, and they held a 14-point lead at the last change.
Gold Coast’s Ethan Read left the field in the third quarter because of a knee problem. Wilson kicked his third goal 18 minutes into the third quarter to break their drought and finished with four, while defender Jack Silvagni was also high among St Kilda’s best.
The Suns will stay in Darwin for next week’s game against Port Adelaide, looking to continue their winning form.
