Damien Hardwick will be an annoyed coach, but a relieved man. Essendon threw everything at the Suns on their home turf, but couldn’t quite come away with a stunning win. Gold Coast dodged a bullet today. Inaccuracy cost them across the game, but they have the four points. It must be remembered that Christian Petracca and Matt Rowell combined for the first time.
It was a great game of footy. For those who’ve been able to follow it on Fox Footy, no doubt you would have enjoyed it.
The microscope will remain on Gold Coast’s rebuilt midfield despite the Suns escaping with a nine-point defeat of the rejuvenated Essendon.
Petracca (three goals, 25 disposals) starred in his return from injury while Rowell (35 touches) was also dominant.
But still their midfield was undone 37-29 at clearances – 20-15 at centre bounces – by a Bombers side that twice rallied to lead, before falling 17.17 (119) to 17.8 (110) in front of 19,039 fans.
