The Gold Coast SUNS continued their winning ways in the top end, in a tense battle with the Western Bulldogs.
We look at some of the key moments from the Round 11 clash, thanks to SIXT.
Holman’s 100th game heroics
Nick Holman had a memorable night reaching the 100-game milestone. The ferocious forward swung the pendulum the way of the SUNS with a bone-shattering tackle at the start of the second quarter, bringing the SUNS back into the game. He’s not known for his goal-kicking, but the man lovingly known as Freckle nabbed two and led the team with 10 tackles to his name.
Lukosius kicks four in a quarter
It was a second quarter to remember for Jack Lukosius, kicking all four goals in the second term becoming the first SUNS player to do so, and tipping the momentum the SUNS’ way. The forward’s third goal was more akin to a soccer world cup goal, volleying Ben Ainsworth’s centring kick perfectly to send it through for a memorable goal.
NT boys shine in the top end
It was a special homecoming for the three Territorian SUNS in the AFL. Malcolm Rosas Jnr, Joel Jeffrey and Ben Long put on a show in front of the Darwin faithful from the get-go, with Jy Farrar, who has family in Darwin, having an impact off the bench.
Rowell’s excellent third quarter
It wasn’t just the NT boys shining in the Top End. Matt Rowell had a third quarter he will not be forgetting anytime soon, with 11 disposals, nine contested possessions, three score involvements and seven clearances. The former No.1 draft pick played out of his skin all game, but the final half was the stand-out.
A strong crowd in Darwin
The Darwin faithful came out in force to support the SUNS in the first of two games in the top end. A crowd of 9,316 piled into TIO Stadium to welcome the AFL to Darwin in 2023. Rumour has it, half of the crowd were friends and family of the eight SUNS players with links to the Territory.
VFL return to winning ways with a big win
The first VFL match in Darwin did not disappoint, with the SUNS returning to winning form defeating Footscray by 65 points. Territory product Jed Anderson was among the 12 goal kickers for the SUNS, kicking two, much to the delight of the local fans.