The Gold Coast Suns collected a 38-point win over St Kilda on Sunday to move into fifth spot on the AFL ladder.
The Suns cruised to a 19.11 (125) to 13.9 (87) victory on the back of 37-possessin, four-goal outing from Gary Ablett for the club’s fourth straight win and sixth from its previous eight.
Ablett kicked three in the opening term as the Suns opened up a five-goal lead before extending the deficit to 57 points at the half.
A six goal to three third term saw the Saints lessen the blow, but they ran out of gas in the final quarter as Brandon Matera, Tom Lynch and Ablett put the finishing touches on a second consecutive win at the historically Gold Coast unfriendly Etihad Stadium.
Suns coach Guy McKenna rested Ablett forward where the Brownlow medallist took full advantage of his overhead marking ability and nose for the big sticks while ruckman Zac Smith (27 hitouts, 10 possessions) also proved his effectiveness in his first match back after spending the past 12 months recovering from a knee injury.
Veteran Lenny Hayes led the Saints with 32 touches. Nick Riewoldt finished with two goals and 13 disposals, but appeared to injure a knee in the opening quarter and struggled through the rest of the contest.
The Suns will miraculously compete for top spot on the AFL ladder next week when they host the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium, but will need a Hawthorn win over Port Adelaide to work in their favour.
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