Three wins from three AFL starts but Gold Coast's injury curse has struck again in a 54-point win against Carlton.
The Suns maintained their unbeaten start to the season with the 13.17 (95) to 5.11 (41) victory on Saturday night at Metricon Stadium but lost defenders Trent McKenzie and Rory Thompson to injury during the contest.
McKenzie broke his nose in a marking contest in the opening quarter while Thompson, whose 2015 campaign was wrecked by injuries, came off in the third term after hurting his right ankle.
Despite the injuries, the Suns completed a comfortable, if unconvincing, victory over the winless Blues.
The Suns had 23 marks inside 50 to Carlton's five but, too often, failed to make their pressure count.
Tom Lynch continued his strong start to the season, kicking four goals to be the early leader in the Coleman Medal race with 13 overall.
Jack Martin backed up his career-best four goals against Fremantle last weekend with three more majors.
Aaron Hall was once more superb with 40 disposals and a goal, while captain Gary Ablett picked up 36 disposals and an impressive eight tackles.
The Blues had patches of good play during the match but, overall, made little impact.
Ed Curnow led the way with 29 disposals, five marks and four tackles and young defender Jacob Weitering also had a strong display in a well-beaten team.
Suns coach Rodney Eade confirmed McKenzie required surgery and would miss next weekend's derby with Brisbane.
Thompson's situation will have to be monitored, leaving Eade with selection decisions for his defensive line to take on the Lions.
"That's an area I don't think we've had a lot of depth," Eade said.
"Trent will certainly be out. We'll see what Rory is, but Brisbane generally go small so Rory's probably not as big a deal.
"I think Clay Cameron played his best game for the club today ... so there's one player we can play and young Matt Willis is playing really well in the seconds.
"We've got some players there."
Despite the club suffering their third loss in a row, Blues coach Brendon Bolton emphasised the positive in another confident display by 2015 No.1 draft pick Weitering.
"He just continues to get better, doesn't he?," Bolton said.
"Some really good intercept marks, ball use. We've got a really good player."
Share
