ST KILDA 5.2 8.7 15.10 21.13 (139)
GOLD COAST 0.2 2.2 6.4 7.5 (47)
Gold Coast has been given a footballing lesson yet again, this time by a determined St Kilda on its way to a 92-point win.
The Suns may have given themselves an outside chance after St Kilda’s shock loss to Port Adelaide the previous week, but their chances were quickly quashed after the Saints piled on six goals to none in the opening term.
The controversial new video review system was given a workout in the first half, utilised by the umpires three times.
It was fast becoming a one-sided affair as Nick Riewoldt stamped his impact on the game with two early majors, alongside new recruit Terry Milera who looks to be a great find for the Saints as a small forward.
Gary Ablett
For the second week in a row, Gary Ablett played a lone hand for the Suns. Ablett’s talent went largely to waste as his 40 possessions couldn’t inspire his teammates to a respectable performance.
Gold Coast’s third quarter was their best, kicking four goals, but it was simply a case of boys against men as the Saints’ experience proved too decisive.
Sam Fisher exploited the young Suns through his sweeping defensive role, a position that he is fast establishing as his own.
Brendon Goddard was everywhere for the home side, racking up 33 disposals in his typical swingman role.
Scott Watters finished the game with his first win as an AFL coach, while questions arise over Gold Coast’s lack of improvement so far in 2012.
Votes: 3 Goddard, 2 Ablett, 1 Riewoldt
GOALS
St Kilda: Riewoldt 4, Stanley 2, Koschitzke 2, Armitage 2, Milne 2, Milera 2, Steven, Gilbert, Geary, Cripps, Goddard, Jones, McEvoy
Gold Coast: Brown 2, Ablett 2, Matera, Russell, Hickey
BEST
St Kilda: Goddard, Steven, Hayes, Riewoldt, Milera, Armitage, McEvoy
Gold Coast: Ablett, Swallow, Lynch, Matera, Harbrow
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nil
Gold Coast: Brown (groin)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Kamolins, Wenn, Foot
Official crowd: 21,032 at Etihad Stadium
