Gold Coast Suns shine in pre-season win over Geelong

The Gold Coast Suns have claimed another pre-season scalp with an impressive display at Metricon Stadium.

Gold Coast Suns star Touk Miller celebrates a goal with his teammates in his side’s AAMI Community Series win over Geelong Cats. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Jack Lukosius’ move to the forward line paid immediate dividends for Gold Coast Suns, who claimed their second scalp of the pre-season with a 23-point defeat of Geelong at Metricon Stadium on Monday night.

Having beaten Port Adelaide by 21 points at the same venue less than two weeks ago, the Suns backed it up with a 13.17 (95) to 11.6 (72) AAMI Community Series win over the Cats, dominating inside 50s 69-46.

Lukosius – better known as a defender but seemingly set to be used in the forward line this season – kicked three goals in an encouraging display for a Suns side in need of new attacking options following Ben King’s season-ending injury.

Lukosius’ haul was bettered by teammate Ben Ainsworth, who booted four goals to help ensure the Suns take winning form into their round 1 clash against West Coast Eagles on March 20 in Perth.

Apart from an inaccurate second quarter which netted nine behinds and no goals, the Suns’ main concern out of the contest was a hamstring problem that ended prized off-season recruit ­Maboir Chol’s night at half-time.

The former Richmond forward, who kicked a first-quarter goal, had ice on his hamstring while watching the second half from the bench.

The Suns will be hoping that Chol’s injury isn’t serious as he combined well in attack with Lukosius, particularly in the first quarter.

Captain Touk Miller was superb for the Suns, with his performance including 32 disposals, seven clearances and two goals.

Touk Miller was superb in the Suns’ pre-season win over the Cats. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“He is the best genuine two-way midfielder in the competition,” Fox Footy’s Nick Riewoldt said of Miller.

Former No.1 pick Matt Rowell showed encouraging signs with 27 disposals and seven tackles, while Noah ­Anderson had 25 touches.

For the Cats, Jeremy Cameron kicked three goals, while superstar Patrick Dangerfield (17 disposals) spent time up forward and kicked two goals.

Cam Guthrie was prolific with 32 disposals. while brother Zac had a game-high 21 kicks down back..

The Suns dominated the opening exchanges, with ball-magnet Miller and Anderson particularly outstanding.

Lukosius, Nick Holman and Chol scored goals as the Suns raced to a 19-point lead.

But ill-discipline, including a 50-metre penalty, allowed the Cats to kick the final two goals of the quarter through Dangerfield and Joel Selwood.

Kicking inaccuracy haunted the Suns in the second quarter, but it was a different story after halftime, as they booted six goals in the third quarter.

SUNS 3.3, 3.12, 9.13, 13.17 (95)

CATS 2.2, 5.3, 8.4, 11.6 (72)

BEST - Suns: Miller, Anderson, Ainsworth, Lukosius. Rowell. Cats: C. Guthrie, T. Atkins, Cameron, Z. Guthrie

GOALS - Suns: Ainsworth 4, Lukosius 3, Miller 2, Holman, Chol, Flanders, Sexton, . Cats: Cameron 3, Dangerfield 2, Selwood, Narkle, C. Guthrie, Dalhaus, Holmes, Stengle.

INJURIES - Suns: Chol (hamstring). Cats: Bews (concussion)

VENUE - Metricon Stadium