Gold Coast Suns storm into finals with sensational 95-point win over Essendon at Carrara
The Gold Coast Suns ended their 15-year finals drought in emphatic fashion, hammering Essendon by 95 points at Carrara. A seven-goal burst in the opening term set the tone, and the Suns never looked back, sealing a commanding 23.15 (153) to 8.10 (58) victory—the biggest margin in the club’s history.
With the win, Gold Coast leapfrogged Hawthorn to finish seventh on the ladder. The result reshapes the first week of finals: the Suns will travel to Perth to take on Fremantle in an elimination final, while Hawthorn secure the eighth spot and will head to an away elimination final against GWS. The Western Bulldogs finished ninth and miss September football.
Skipper Noah Anderson was phenomenal for the hosts, finishing with 34 disposals, 12 clearances and 641 metres gained, along with three goals. His standout moment came late in the first half when he charged into the attack, forced a turnover, gathered the ball, and snapped a precise finish from 25 metres for his second goal in as many minutes.
Anderson spoke after the match, admitting it still felt surreal to finally reach finals football, especially when looking around at the veteran teammates who have waited so long for this moment. “To be honest, it doesn’t feel real,” he said. “Looking around at the older guys who’ve been here a long time. I’m just so grateful we got to be out here tonight and have this experience. Some times it felt like we had to learn the hard way and it wasn’t going to happen, but to get it done and to have nearly 20,000 people here on a Wednesday night, it’s just super special to be a part of.”
Attendance reflected the momentous occasion, with a crowd of more than 16,000 filling Carrara as the Suns clinched finals football—their supporters were clearly out in force on a midweek night.
What this means for the finals picture is clear: Gold Coast will test Fremantle in Western Australia, Hawthorn will travel to face GWS, and the Bulldogs’ failure to win out leaves them on the outside looking in as September approaches.
Editor’s notes and additional context for readers
– The result caps a remarkable season surge for the Suns, turning what was once a long-shot into a confident finals campaign.
– Noah Anderson’s performance underlined Gold Coast’s midfield depth and ability to deliver when it matters most.
– The midweek, Carrara crowd underscored the growing support base for the club as it scales the peaks of AFL finals football.
Summary: The Suns capped a historic season by dismantling Essendon to claim a finals berth for the first time in 15 years, led by Noah Anderson’s standout performance, and set up a high-stakes elimination clash away to Fremantle. This marks a fresh, hopeful chapter for Gold Coast as they head into September.
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