Gold Coast Suns narrowly avoid historic low against Western Bulldogs

The Western Bulldogs obliterated their hapless rivals at Docklands, with Gold Coast narrowly avoiding their worst ever half of football.

Wil Powell of the Suns marks the ball.

The Gold Coast Suns have narrowly avoided suffering their worst half of AFL football in the franchise’s 13-year history.

Facing the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon, the Suns registered just one goal and three behinds before the halftime siren echoed around Marvel Stadium.

The Bulldogs had kicked the first 11 goals of the one-sided contest, obliterating their hapless rivals.

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Jack Lukosius’ major in the final minute of the second term ensured Gold Coast avoided the embarrassment of a goalless opening half, which would have been a club first.

It’s statistically the equal second-lowest number of points the Suns have ever mustered in the first half of an AFL game, their previous worst being eight.

Adam Treloar of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal.

GOLD COAST’S LEAST POINTS IN A FIRST HALF

8 (1.2) vs West Coast Eagles, R7 2015

9 (1.3) vs Adelaide Crows, R5 2019

9 (1.3) vs Western Bulldogs, R5 2021

12 (2.0) vs Carlton, R13 2020

12 (1.6) vs Collingwood Magpies, R22 2016

The undefeated Bulldogs extended the margin to 61 points after two quarters, their equal eighth-largest halftime lead in history.

“Every fan in the house knows they’re witnessing history,” commentator Dwayne Russell cried on Fox Footy.

“It’s 11 goals to nil, but they’re at the edge of their seats, screaming at everything.

“One of the greatest halves of football any Western Bulldogs football fan could ever wish to see.”

Total eclipse of the Suns #AFLDogsSuns

— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) April 17, 2021

This is no good from Gold Coast. Ugh 👎

— Michael Whiting (@MichaelWhiting) April 17, 2021

Yes it might be happening against the team on the top of the ladder, but this is a big step backwards from the Suns. #AFLDogsSuns

— Alex Fair (@AJFair85) April 17, 2021

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Playing in his 150th game for the club, Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli was a standout performer in the first half, registering 19 disposals, two goals and five tackles.

“Bontempelli is looking like a sixth-grader playing with the fourth-graders,” footy great Leigh Matthews told 3AW.

“He is so big and strong, shoving them out of the way.”

Bulldogs teammate Josh Dunkley finished the contest with two goals, 37 disposals and six marks.

Gold Coast thankfully redisovered their mojo in the third term, kicking six majors to substantially reduce the deficit.

But the Suns were unable to complete a miracle comback, ultimately suffering a 17.16 (118) to 8.8 (56) defeat.

The Bulldogs have now started their season with five consecutive victories, a feat the club hasn’t achieved since 1946.

Originally published as Gold Coast Suns narrowly avoid historic low against Western Bulldogs