NINE goal blitz delivers ‘Darwin Double’ for the Suns over Crows

The Gold Coast Suns have done the Darwin double in 2023 and extended their winning record at their home away from home with a stunning 25 point win over the Adelaide Crows.

The Suns defeated the Crows.

The Gold Coast Suns have done the Darwin double in 2023 and extended their winning record at their home away from home with a stunning 25 point win over the Adelaide Crows.

The Suns extended their record to 4-2 at TIO Stadium, winning out 16.16 (112) - 13.9 (87) and are knocking on the door of the top eight heading into their mid-season bye with a 6-6 record.

Jack Lukosius backed up his five goal performance last week with another five goals while Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson were the main drivers in midfield and the Suns kicked nine consecutive goals in a blitz on both sides of half time to overrun the Crows.

The Crows hit back in front momentarily in the final quarter but the Suns were able to quickly get the momentum back and kick clear.

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The Suns were playing “rubbish football” in the first half, according to Gerard Healy, and trailed by 25 points mid-way through the second quarter.

Then they flicked the switch to start their nine goal blitz to flip the game on its head.

The worm says it all.

Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy noted the work of Suns workhorse Matthew Rowell as the main driver behind the Suns’ surge.

“Rowell is the one that’s turned this game,” he said on Fox Footy.

“He’s had seven touches in this term, he’s had five clearances, and before that he’d had four for the (first) half.

“They’ve put Ben Keays onto him but at this stage, he’s an unstoppable force.

“He’s been an amazing igniter for this comeback.”

Rowell was getting his hands on the ball and being clean with his contested possession, and Jack Lukosius got to work again in the front half, taking advantage of the mismatch and sparking the Suns to life.

“He’s really seized on Tom Doedee being subbed out,” Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton said.

“They’ve left him one on one inside forward 50 and he’s just a bit too clever. He nudges him (Hinge) under the footy. He gives a half push… he’s just too creative.

“If he gets the ball inside forward 50, he’s a real chance to score because his foot skills are so good.”

Lukosius finished with 16 disposals, 10 contested possession and five goals to take his tally in the top end to 10 goals in the two games there.

“Last week he kicked five goals, this week, he’s on fire,” Ben Dixon added.

Originally published as NINE goal blitz delivers ‘Darwin Double’ for the Suns over Crows