AFL 2023: News, fallout from Gold Coast Suns vs Brisbane Lions

Tensions flared during a feisty Queensland derby, with Gold Coast star Touk Miller accused of going below the belt. See what the Match Review Officer thought of his tackle on Dayne Zorko.

Gold Coast Suns interim coach Steven King. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Gold Coast star midfielder Touk Miller has been cleared over an alleged ‘squirrel gripping’ incident with Brisbane’s Dayne Zorko on Saturday.

Miller and Zorko tangled in a tackle in the third term of the Suns’ shock win with Zorko seeming to gesture Miller made contact with his testicles or groin region.

Zorko remonstrated angrily with Miller immediately after the incident but match review officer Michael Christian cleared Miller of any wrongdoing.

Without a complaint from Zorko or Brisbane Lions, there was not enough evidence or clear replay vision to indicate the contact was intentional.

Miller could have faced a serious misconduct charge and direct referral to the tribunal if he was booked but no injury was sustained in the incident.

It means Miller, who is one of the Suns’ best players, is free to play Adelaide on Saturday afternoon as Gold Coast battle to keep their slim finals hopes alive.

These two do NOT like each other ❌

There was so venom in that from Zorko and Miller 💥

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SUNS STUN LIONS AS TEMPERS BOIL OVER IN QCLASH

By Hannah Davies

The Gold Coast Suns have broken their QClash hoodoo and nine-game losing streak against the Brisbane Lions, sending the visitors home crushed after a 96-55 win.

With their last win against the Lions back in Round 5 of 2018 – and Steven King just three games into his interim coach appointment – the pressure was on from the start for the Suns, who now sit 9-10 for the season.

“(The win) is bigger than just four points – it builds belief,” King said.

“The playing group we have here is unbelievable, and I think when we’re connected for four quarters of footy, that’s the result.

“We’re still a pretty young group, we still have lapses in games. Each time you have a disappointing result or a loss, it has to mean something, and I think we’re starting to educate ourselves about what that might look or feel like, and our players are getting the experience to stand up.”

Touk Miller gave Lachie Neale plenty of attention. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

In 20 degree weather, and under clear skies, the Suns began with an energy fans hadn’t seen since their Darwin demolitions.

Two uncharacteristic behinds from tall forward Joe Daniher in the first quarter set the tone for the Lions, who finished with a total of 13 behinds—unusual inaccuracy for the premiership chasers.

But, an incredible mark from Charlie Cameron and signature snap around to score brought the sides back to even, before the Lions left the first term in the lead.

The second quarter was a close affair, with Brisbane continuing to build their defensive pressure, led by Keidean Coleman.

Levi Casboult flies for a mark. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

On the other end of the field, 19-year-old Mac Andrew proved why he is one of the competition’s best young defenders, dominating in the air and creating a physical threat in the backline. Despite his starry performance, Andrew may find himself in hot water after slinging Jarrod Berry to the ground in what was an unnecessary tussle, minutes before the final siren.

The Suns played with confidence, commanding the football through the corridor­ – usually dangerous territory with Harris Andrews at the end of the line.

Ben King was a ball magnet in the forward 50, presenting effortlessly in the air and coming in clutch in front of the post to keep the Suns ahead when it mattered. His match-up with Andrews was mesmerising to watch, with the two big men battling in the air – a battle predominantly won by King.

Mac Andrew soars. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

The Lions’ midfield lacked spark, lacking the speed and electric feel from young star Will Ashcroft, who sustained an ACL injury last week against Geelong, and Zac Bailey, out for his second match with a calf injury.

Meanwhile, Suns’ midfielder Noah Anderson ran rampant in the third quarter, directing play from all areas of the forward 50.

Touk Miller’s match-up against Lachie Neale was every bit as brash as expected, with the pair going head-to-head for most of the match, including a wrestle on the ground in the fourth term as the Suns clinched their first victory over the Lions in five years.

Ben King celebrates a goal during Gold Coast’s win. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Miller’s work to shut down Neale was integral to the end result, earning himself the Marcus Ashcroft Medal.

“I respect Lachie as a player – he’s a Brownlow Medallist and plays a really quality brand of football, but for me it was about bringing my weapons to the party,” Miller said.

“It was less about Lachie and more about what I could do by using my weapons on him. Our entire team was playing well, so that just helped my battle even more, so I was just grateful I had a whole 22 blokes on the field playing for each other, which made my role a lot easier.”

KING JOINS KICKERS CLUB

Ben King has become the Suns’ third highest goal scorer in history, kicking five for the game. His tally sits behind former Sun Tom Lynch on 254, and now VFL regular Alex Sexton with 160.

100-GAME PERFORMANCE

Sam Collins put out a game worthy of 100-games’ experience, shutting down star forward Joe Daniher and steering the ship when needed—including some all-important intercept marks in the third term when the Lions posed a comeback threat.

HEARTFELT HUDDLE

It was a quiet moment nearly missed—a tight-knit huddle before breaking after half time. It had been a particularly big last few weeks for the Suns: the sacking of their coach Stuart Dew; some tough losses; and resulting media pressure. But that moment gave a glimpse into the brotherhood at the Suns, and the fight displayed to finally get one over their Queensland rivals.

Originally published as AFL 2023: News, fallout from Gold Coast Suns vs Brisbane Lions