Australian Football

Match Report

Melbourne has plumbed new depths in the eyes of most, succumbing to the fledgling Gold Coast Suns by a massive 60 points at the MCG on Sunday. It was the Suns' biggest victory in their two-and-a-half year history and their first win at the home of football.

While the Demons have been affected by a number of injuries, the lack of effort and intensity they showed would have been a concern for all associated with the club. Despite the Suns having the ball 101 more times than them, the Demons could lay only 39 tackles on Gold Coast players, with the Suns managing 76.

The match was virtually over at quarter time. Melbourne failed to kick a goal in the first term while Tom Lynch, Zac Smith, Campbell Brown (two goals) and Steven May each contributing majors towards the Suns' score of 5.5 at the first change.

Melbourne was marginally more competitive in the second quarter, kicking 3.5 to the Gold Coast's 4.3 but they fell away badly again in the third term, with five goals from the Suns being answered by just one to James Strauss. The Demons managed to win the last quarter, but even then it was by only two points and due largely to Gold Coast's inaccuracy.

Gary Ablett was at his magnificent best for the Suns, garnering 38 touches, while Harley Bennell had the ball 32 times and kicked 1.3. Veteran Campbell Brown was impressive on the forward line, kicking 3.3. There were few positives for Melbourne, although Matt Jones continued his good debut-season form and Jeremy Howe provided a good target up forward and kicked three goals.

Things are not likely to get any easier next week for the Demons. They take on the in-form Richmond at the MCG on Sunday. The Suns have a genuine chance of improving their record to 4-4 when they take on the 16th-placved Bulldogs at Carrara on Saturday night.

GOALS
Melbourne: Howe 3; Gawn 2; Strauss, Sylvia
Gold Coast: Smith, Brown 3; Lynch, Hall 2; May, McKenzie, Day, Shaw, Bennell, Harbrow

BEST - THE AGE
Melbourne: Viney, Jones, Howe, Terlich
Gold Coast: Ablett, Bennell, Smith, Brennan, Thompson, Prestia

BEST - AFL.COM.AU
Melbourne: Howe, Viney, Gawn, Sylvia
Gold Coast: Ablett, Bennell, Smith, Brennan, Thompson, Prestia

COACHES' COMMENTS
Mark Neeld (Melb): We were aware that we'd made up some ground over the last three to four weeks in a number of areas of our game but it was certainly a step back today. We weren't competitive in the game for long enough and eventually gets reflected in the scoreboard and that was certainly the case in the first and third quarters.

Guy McKenna (GCo): We spoke about our start - I thought the boys ticked that box and then to get a [first] win at the MCG within our first three years for the group us a bit of a milestone, because we understand the challenge of an interstate side to come here and play good footy. This is where it counts.

INJURIES
Melbourne: McDonald (shoulder) replaced in selected side by Davey
Gold Coast: Brennan (concussion), Murphy (concussion)

SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Dean Kent subbed off for Aaron Davey in the third quarter
Gold Coast: Steven May subbed off for Brandon Matera in the third quarter

REPORTS
Melbourne: Sylvia reported for high contact against Brennan (Gold Coast) in the third quarter
Gols Coast: Nil

UMPIRES: McBurney, Harris, Armstrong