A scintillating Gold Coast have thumped an under-strength Geelong by 64 points to put the AFL world on notice and condemn the Cats to their third consecutive defeat.
A breathtaking second quarter, including six unanswered goals, set the Suns on their way before they kicked on for a 26.8 (164) to 15.10 (100) victory at Darwin’s TIO Stadium.
The sublime Jack Lukosius starred with five majors and five goal assists, and he was well-supported by Bailey Humphrey (five goals), Ben King (four) and Sam Day (three), among others.
Gold Coast’s highest-ever score lifts them to sixth on the ladder, while second-placed Geelong are in danger of slipping out of the top four.
Geelong were without Jeremy Cameron (concussion), Patrick Dangerfield (hamstring) and rested trio Tom Hawkins, Mitch Duncan and Rhys Stanley.
Sam De Koning (hamstring tightness) was a late withdrawal and was replaced by veteran Zach Tuohy.
Gold Coast rested Jarrod Witts, Jed Walter, Nick Holman and Jake Rogers.
But coming off a five-day break in their most impressive showing under Damien Hardwick, Gold Coast smashed Geelong out of the middle as they chase a first-ever finals berth.
Noah Anderson (41 disposals and two goals), Matt Rowell (35 disposals), Touk Miller (32 and eight clearances) and Sam Flanders (37 touches) were dominant around the ball.
Geelong’s Tyson Stengle (three goals), Max Holmes (32 disposals), Ollie Dempsey (25 touches) and Gryan Myers (29 touches, two goals) fought hard on a dirty night.
The Suns generally handled the slippery conditions better, and while they enjoyed a favourable free kick count (25-14), they dominated around the ground.
Lukosius got the Suns’ night off to a perfect start when he intercepted a Toby Conway kick and ran into an open goal, the first of three for the quarter.
The opening quarter was a see-sawing affair, and the Cats claimed a three-point lead at the first change.
The Suns broke away in the second term to nudge out to a 33-point lead at the main change.
Gold Coast’s night was soured when young defender Mac Andrew suffered a lower leg injury in a collision with teammate Ben Ainsworth in the second quarter.
He was substituted out of the game for Alex Davies at half-time while struggling Cats veteran Cam Guthrie made way for Jhye Clark in the third quarter.
The Suns didn’t stop, booting eight goals to Geelong’s one in the third term to stretch their lead to an ominous 66 points at three-quarter time.
Geelong somewhat steadied early in the final team but it was no consolation as the Suns relished their statement win.
(C) AAP 2024
