The Gold Coast SUNS lit up People First Stadium on Sunday night, snapping their Expansion Cup hoodoo with a 20-point win over the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

In slippery conditions, it was a mix of star power and rising talent that drove the SUNS to an 11.17 (83) to 8.15 (63) victory.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (3 goals) was the headline act in front of goal. After a quieter start, the key forward exploded in the second half, kicking three crucial goals that broke the game open. Whether it was a clever snap, a strong mark drifting across the pack, or relentless forward pressure, Ugle-Hagan showed exactly why he’s such an exciting addition to the SUNS lineup.

Christian Petracca (28 disposals, 2 goals) continues to prove his class in SUNS colours. Petracca delivered a best-on-ground performance, consistently using the ball with precision and composure. His decision-making and execution were key in setting up the SUNS’ early dominance and controlling the game.

With Matt Rowell sidelined (injury), Touk Miller (team-high four tackles) stepped up. The SUNS vice-captain was ferocious around the contest, applying constant pressure and leading from the front. His defensive intensity and ability to win the ball in tight, were crucial in limiting the Giants’ midfield influence.

The SUNS could not have asked for a better start, and Wil Powell (one goal) was right at the centre of it. Powell set the tone with a long-range opener from beyond 50, capitalizing on turnover footy and injecting immediate energy into the contest. Alongside him, skipper Noah Anderson (one goal) added a composed set-shot to help Gold Coast burst out early doors.

There was no shortage of impact across the ground. Ben King (two goals) continued to show his strong finishing ability in front of goal.

John Noble (35 disposals, one goal) was the leading ball-winner for the SUNS, constantly involved and driving the team forward with his run and work rate. He not only accumulated strongly across the ground but also hit the scoreboard with a goal to cap off a busy night.

Down back, Bodhi Uwland, Oscar Adams, Daniel Rioli and Sam Collins were key in holding firm under sustained Giants pressure, keeping their defensive structure steady even as GWS generated repeated inside 50s. Uwland led the way with 16 disposals and six intercept possessions, reading the play well and helping turn defence into attack, while the SUNS’ overall pressure made scoring opportunities feel earned rather than easy across the night.

In the ruck, Ned Moyle stepped up in the absence of Jarrod Witts, continuing to show promising signs with his physical presence and growing confidence around the contest.

With the hoodoo snapped and confidence building, the SUNS now shift their focus to a trip up in the Top End. With back-to-back games in Darwin, the SUNS are poised to ride their wave of momentum in different conditions. If Sunday night was anything to go by, the SUNS will travel with belief, and a group ready to keep bringing the heat.