West Coast showed resilience after half-time to fight back from a disappointing start before going down to Gold Coast by 59 points at People First Stadium on Sunday night.

Faced with a massive challenge against the early premiership favourites, the Eagles were up against it from the get-go as the Suns burst out of the blocks - as they did against Grand Finalist Geelong in Opening Round - to establish a 62-point advantage. 

The young Eagles fought back with a five-goal third term - winning the quarter by 14 points and second half by three - but Gold Coast steadied late to win 20.11 (131) to 10.12 (72).

With four debutants and recruits Deven Robertson and Tylar Young playing their first games in blue and gold, the Eagles grew into the contest and rectified an early imbalance while bringing pressure (73-46 tackles). 

There were promising signs, with former WAFL star Milan Murdock capping his unforgettable two weeks since joining the Eagles with two goals and 22 disposals, bringing energy to the forward line. 

Ex-Lion Deven Robertson laid 12 tackles to go with his 17 disposals, while No.1 pick Willem Duursma (14 disposals), Josh Lindsay (16) and Cooper Duff-Tytler (five tackles, two clearances) all had their moments. 

Star midfielder Harley Reid (23 disposals) gave everything all game in a strong-willed performance alongside hard-working 150th-gamer Jack Graham (19, eight tackles).

Despite missing Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell (finger), the vaunted Suns midfield laid the foundation for victory, with Jarrod Witts commanding in the ruck.

Witts finished with 20 disposals that included a long-range goal, a game-high seven clearances and more importantly for his team, put the ball on a plate for his midfield.

Following three goals from 34 disposals against the Cats, Christian Petracca played another blinder, kicking three in the first term and finishing with four for the game from 23 disposals, 14 of which resulted in scores.

Captain Noah Anderson was also prolific, racking up 34 touches, Alex Davies had a big impact in less game time than his teammates with 25 and Joel Jeffrey (28) was devastating from half-back with his exquisite ball use.

Ben King kicked five goals to make it nine for the season, with Leo Lombard (two goals) impressing the week after earning a Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination.

They started the game raging favourites, and the Suns were in no mood to muck around, slamming on seven first-quarter goals to explode to a 38-point lead at the first change.

To West Coast’s credit, it came out with renewed vigour after the main break and deserved to win the third term with five goals to three.

Jake Waterman competed hard in attack to earn his three majors, while Elliot Yeo stood tall in his first game since 2024, kicking two majors from 17 disposals, and Reuben Ginbey was a pillar in defence. 

West Coast will be looking to get on the winners' list when the Eagles host their first home game at Optus Stadium for 2026 next Sunday against North Melbourne. 

Details
GOLD COAST 7.3 13.6 16.8 20.11 (131)
WEST COAST 1.1 3.4  8.8 10.12 (72)
 
GOALS
Gold Coast: King 5, Petracca 4, Lombard 2, Witts, Rogers, Rioli, Miller, Long, Farrar, Davies, Clohesy, Anderson
West Coast: Waterman 3, Yeo 2, Murdock 2, Shanahan, A.Reid, Newton
 
BEST
Gold Coast: Witts, Petracca, Anderson, Jeffrey, B.Uwland, Davies
West Coast: H.Reid, Murdock, Yeo, Robertson, Ginbey, Waterman
 
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
West Coast: Nil
 
Crowd: 13,309 at People First Stadium