Eagles show pluck to slow red-hot Suns
West Coast’s new-look outfit proved challenging as the fast-starting Gold Coast fell off the record pace in their 59-point AFL win.
Sunday’s clash at Carrara had everything needed for a rout as the Eagles, who won just once last season, headed east with four fresh-faced players to face the red-hot Suns.
Suns’ Jarrod Witts competes for the ball in the first round AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and West Coast Eagles.Credit: Getty Images
And the script was written in the first half, with the home side scoring at will to take a 62-point lead at half-time and the club looking set to rewrite the scoring records.
But the Eagles, fueled by fiery starter Milan Murdock, responded with a 20.11 (131) to 10.12 (72) defeat, which will give coach Andrew McQualter plenty of encouragement.
As against Geelong last week, the Suns threatened to extend the margin into triple digits before taking their foot off the gas.
Christian Petracca (23 disposals, 4 goals) continued his dominant start to life at the Suns with three goals in the first quarter, while Ben King kicked a whopping five goals.
Noah Anderson took a game-high 34 possessions to score, while Joel Jeffrey (28 disposals) was among the Suns’ best defensively.
Alex Davies, Daniel Rioli, Jy Farrar, Jake Rogers and Ben Long scored an impressive 84 points in the first half.
Murdock (22 disposals), recruited from the WAFL just a fortnight ago, kicked two goals and was the first to give Mac Andrew goosebumps with a brave debut.
