Heady Suns rule at home over Cats

Gold Coast Suns are knocking on the door of the finals after an impressive home win over Geelong on Friday night.

The Suns broke the club record for highest score for the third time in 2022 in their 7.7 (49) to 6.2 (38) victory.

The Cats had a dream start as Kate Darby marked and kicked the first goal, followed by 18-year-old Zali Friswell who took a mark and converted for her first AFLW goal. Both goals were set up by star recruit Chloe Scheer.

Suns ruck Lauren Bella took a mark outside the forward 50 metres then received a 50-metre penalty for encroachment which put her within range and she was overjoyed to kick the goal as it was her first in 23 games.

The home side kept up its trademark tackle pressure, winning clearances through the likes of Alison Drennan (30 disposals) and getting the rewards as Tara Bohanna snapped a goal and the helmet-wearing Tori Groves-Little followed with a goal, tapping her helmet after battling back onto the field after issues with concussions.

The Suns took a 21-12 lead at half-time and extended it early in the third as Jamie Stanton ran into an open goal for a 29-12 lead.

But the Cats refused to give up as Phoebe McWilliams broke their goal drought, soccering through. It was soon matched by a second from Groves-Little, who ran into a bouncing ball and kicked an open goal, with their lead jumping to 42-18 going into the last term.

Scheer kicked two goals in the last term but it wasn’t enough.

GOLD COAST 1.3 3.3 6.6 7.7 (49)
GEELONG 2.0 2.0 3.0 6.2 (38)

GOALS
Gold Coast: Groves-Little 2, Bella, Bohanna, Stanton, Hampson, Surman.
Geelong: McWilliams 2, Scheer 2, Darby, Friswell.
BEST
Gold Coast: Drennan, Rowbottom, Hampson, Stanton, Bella.
Geelong: Morrison, Scheer, McDonald, Prespakis, Webster.

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