Melbourne and Gold Coast have played out one of the games of the season, but it was the Demons on the right side of the ledger as the final siren rang out.
The margin never got more than four goals all game despite Simon Goodwin’s men keeping their noses in front, with the Suns having as good a crack as they have under Stuart Dew.
Gold Coast had a chance to tie up the contest when Darcy Macpherson marked 40 metres out on a slight angle in the final minute.
But Macpherson, who still hasn’t kicked a goal this season, sprayed his kick to the right, setting up a five-point win for Melbourne.
It is a 4-point game after this goal from Rosas.
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 6, 2023
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The Suns controlled the game and won most key statistics including contested possessions (150-124), but the Demons recorded a comprehensive win in inside 50s and ran out the clash strongly for one of the wins of the season.
Demons superstar Christian Petracca was thrilled with his side’s intensity in the dying minutes, but also offered a revealing insight to Fox Footy post-game.
“They probably dominated in every key area... we probably got away with that,” he remarked.
“But too our credit, our fight in the last two minutes was unbelievable.”
Bend it like B̶e̶c̶k̶h̶a̶m̶ Petracca 🤩#AFLSunsDees pic.twitter.com/pbmbjxALBD
— AFL (@AFL) May 6, 2023
The atmosphere appeared almost as good as it’s ever been at Heritage Bank Stadium for the expansion club, with fans coming to voice throughout the clash and even more in the dying minutes.
Boos even rang out across the broadcast after the game after the Suns were denied a number of multiple umpiring calls in the seconds that led up to Darcy Macpherson’s goal
As so often happens when the Suns claim victory, Noah Anderson starred and was the best player on the ground.
With David Swallow doing a job on Clayton Oliver, Anderson – along with Matt Rowell – assumed the role of contest king and finished with 36 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal.
Malcolm Rosas was another hero, finishing with four goals from his nine touches, while Wil Powell finished with 25 disposals across half-back after gathering 12 in the opening term.
Meanwhile, Oliver also shook the tag as the game went on, finishing with 28 disposals while skipper Max Gawn starred with 15 disposals and two majors.
"Anything that results in head contact needs to be looked at"
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 6, 2023
Is Jacob van Rooyen in trouble for this head contact?
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The players were afforded a break with 10 minutes to play as Charlie Ballard was stretchered off after an accidental strike from Jacob Van Rooyen that's likely to draw the Match Review Officer's attention.
Melbourne claimed the first goal after the mini-break, but as they did all game Dew’s charges hit back.
The final minutes were as hectic as we’ve seen this season, but as good sides do, Melbourne found a way to win.
More to come.