3 minute read
Gold Coast have secured their fourth win at the MCG in club history when they overwhelmed Collingwood in a mature performance.
Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew lauded his young team's growing maturity after the Suns' biggest win over Collingwood put them within touching distance of the AFL top-eight.
The Suns rode a third-quarter challenge on Saturday to prevail by 24 points on a rare trip to the MCG.
Their run and dare overwhelmed the Magpies as Touk Miller, Hugh Greenwood and Brandon Ellis led the way through the midfield.
Josh Corbett and Ben King stood tall in attack and Sam Collins was a rock at the other end as a long list of Suns contributed to the win.
Importantly, it was a strong follow-up performance after a big win over Sydney in round six.
"We set our lads a challenge to back up the performance of last week, but to leave that week behind and reset again," Dew said after the impressive 12.7 (79) to 7.13 (55) win.
"We went with the same themes and (wanted to) not get bored with the process.
"We were able to turn the tide within a game and it just felt mature.
"We're still young but I think it shows the belief in how we want to play the game.
"Our strength to deliver on that today is pleasing for our footy club."
Gold Coast consigned Collingwood to a fifth consecutive loss, pouring more heat on the embattled Victorian club and out-of-contract coach Nathan Buckley.
It was the Suns' fourth win in 15 attempts at the MCG, in their first visit since August 2019.
"We had some guys who had never actually been here, let alone play on the grass," Dew said.
"(The record) means nothing to the current group ... but for our supporters it's a nice one for them to come to the MCG and see us win a game of football.
"Our guys came here and we didn't want to talk about Collingwood's situation or the MCG - we came to play our way."
Corbett kicked a career-high four goals, making it nine in three games this season since being called up to cover injuries to Sam Day and Jarrod Witts.
"Corbo's worked really hard and he's got big hands, so he's a great target down there, and his work rate is unbelievable," Dew said.
"He wins our time trial with Brandon (Ellis) so there's some real run there for him and aerial presence.
"He's worked hard on his game and it's great that he's got his opportunity."