JACK Bowes’ last-minute snap has pinched victory for the Gold Coast and cruelly kept Carlton winless in a scrappy Sunday comeback at Metricon Stadium.
Trailing by 11 at the final break, the Suns somehow found a way despite their constant fumbles in a 8.11 (59) to 8.9 (57) victory that put them on an equal AFL high three wins after four rounds.
Bowes emerged from the pack to sneak a 15m effort over the last man, with the ball rolling through with 13 seconds on the clock to continue their golden start to the season and break Blues’ hearts.
It continued the Suns’ theme this season, with all four game margins within five points.
Peter Wright thought he had spoiled it for his side, awkwardly fumbling a mark over the line that would’ve been a goal had he left it.
Patrick Cripps goaled immediately to give the visitors a four-point lead that they were able to cling to until the final stages.
Both teams fumbled and stumbled their way in perfect conditions on the Gold Coast, with Cripps and Sam Walsh shining lights for the visitors.
Cripps (30 disposals) put the Blues three goals clear with a snap early in third quarter, easing frustration after a string of near-misses to start the term.
The Suns kept scrapping though, with Nick Holman goaling and Sexton missing twice as they stayed within reach.
Lanky Suns teenager Wil Powell (concussion) was slung headfirst into the turf by Will Setterfield late in the second term and stumbled back as he tried to get up.
He played no further part in the game and, despite going unpunished, Setterfield could come under scrutiny on review.
Carlton forward Mitch McGovern left the ground with a leg injury but later returned.
Touk Miller (31 touches) made nine first-quarter tackles but lost his radar in the final quarter with a string of poor kicks to put his side under unnecessary pressure.
© AAP 2019
GOLD COAST 3.1 4.4 5.8 8.11 (59)
CARLTON 1.3 5.4 7.7 8.9 (57)
Goals: Gold Coast: A Sexton 2 N Holman 2 B Ainsworth J Bowes J Witts P Wright. Carlton: M McGovern 3 P Cripps 2 C Curnow S Walsh Z Fisher.
Best: Gold Coast: J Harbrow T Miller D Swallow A Sexton S Collins J Bowes. Carlton: P Cripps M Murphy C Curnow M McGovern S Walsh J Weitering.
Umpires: Mathew Nicholls, Nicholas Foot, Eleni Glouftsis.
Official Crowd: 14,176 at Metricon Stadium.
