AFL round 20 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from the MCG

Gold Coast’s nightmare season continued, losing by 13 points to an inspiring Carlton at Marvel Stadium for a ninth straight defeat.

Trailing by 12 points at the last break, the Suns took the lead back by scoring three goals in the last quarter.

However, the last period followed the scenario of the first three quarters; Gold Coast got off to a strong start before the Blues pulled away towards the end of the term.

George Hewett scored a big goal, while off-season player Will Hayward scored with five minutes remaining for the Blues to win 16.14 (110) to 15.7 (97).

The Suns’ campaign, which was Premier League favorites at the start of the season after a great start in March and reached the semi-finals last year, has been thrown into chaos.

Coach Damien Hardwick may have it right this time, two weeks after declaring the Gold Coast’s season over prematurely.

The Suns are 7-12 and have fallen to 14th in the standings with just two games left in the four rounds.

However, after starting the season with a 1-8 record and dealing with the departure of manager Michael Voss, Carlton rose to 10th place with a 9-10 record, giving them a serious chance of a place in the finals.

The Blues’ midfield team outplayed Gold Coast for most of the day; captain Patrick Cripps, Hewett (three goals, 24 disposals), Jagga Smith (31 touches) and Sam Walsh (31) were all crucial in deciding the result.

The Suns’ stars had their moments, but they could never sustain it long enough.

Suns captain Noah Anderson stepped up and grabbed a goal of the year contender in the second term, dodging traffic and completing the run perfectly with two clearances.

However, Anderson’s influence faded in the second half as opposition captain Cripps took things to another level.

Cripps scored a crucial goal in the third quarter with a huge lead of 15 from 30 possessions.

Veteran Carlton defender Nic Newman had his 150th match ended early after damaging his hamstring while frantically trying to kick a loose ball.

AAP