Overview

• Gold Coast thrashed an undermanned Essendon by 95 points, the biggest win in Suns history, to convert a win‑and‑in scenario into their maiden finals appearance.
• The result lifted the Suns into seventh and locked in an elimination final away to Fremantle at Optus Stadium, while officially knocking the Western Bulldogs out of the top eight.
• Despite pre‑game chatter about managing the margin to avoid Perth, the Suns pressed on and boosted percentage, dismissing any suggestion of ‘massaging’ the result.
• Damien Hardwick regained Daniel Rioli and Bailey Humphrey from injury for the must‑win clash, bolstering a side that jumped to a 40-point lead by quarter-time.
• Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said finals suit Fremantle’s contested style and highlighted their adaptability ahead of hosting Gold Coast.