An 11-goal win, nine goal kickers, seven weeks away from Heritage Bank Stadium, SIXT takeaways.
What were the key moments in yesterday’s comprehensive win over the Hawks at home?
Brayden’s big day
The SUNS were intent on bouncing back from last week’s disappointing result against Carlton and Brayden Fiorini showed that he meant business from the opening bounce. He finished the day with 35 disposals - the third most in one game of his career - also leading the SUNS for clearances. Better yet, newborn son Will was in the stands for the first time at Heritage Bank Stadium.
Final quarter exclamation mark
The hosts held a strong 32-point lead at the final quarter, but weren’t about to take the foot off the pedal. Not only did the SUNS pile on five goals in the last quarter, they held the Hawks scoreless to take their percentage back over 100 and take a heap of momentum into Saturday night’s mouthwatering clash against Collingwood.
Hawks wings clipped after hot shot
The Hawks got the hot start with the first three goals, but it wasn’t long before the SUNS regained control of the game. After kicking their third halfway through the first term, the visitors managed just two goals and five scoring shots for the remainder of the game, led by strong displays down back from Charlie Ballard, Wil Powell, Sam Collins and Mac Andrew.
SUNS shine in second half
With the game there to be won, the SUNS upped the ante after half-time. Noah Anderson led by example out of the middle with a 15-disposal second half, capped off by two late goals with Malcolm Rosas Jnr leaving Hawks players in his wake for three final-quarter goals to add an exclamation mark to a strong victory.
Return to Heritage Bank Stadium
It’s been a long time between drinks and what a way to return to Heritage Bank Stadium for the first time since Round 7! More than 14,000 fans packed into the venue with the next home game just days away.
SUNS flying high in the VFL
Also conceding the first couple of goals of the contest, the SUNS VFL squad proved far too strong for Box Hill with a 10-goal-to-one third term setting up a comfortable victory. The SUNS led by a solitary point but big goal kicking hauls from Brodie McLaughlin, Mabior Chol, Alex Sexton and Sam Day saw the home side run away with the contest in the second half.
