Gold Coast have picked up a strong win in their first game under Damien Hardwick, defeating the coach's former club Richmond 14.15 (99) to 9.6 (60) at People First Stadium.
The Suns set up their 39-point victory through a huge first-half performance which saw them kick 11 consecutive goals in the first and second quarters.
While the Tigers fought back in the third quarter and at one stage kicked seven straight goals of their own, too much damage was done before half-time to reel back the margin entirely.
Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson were dominant for the Suns while Ben King did most of the damage up forward.
For the Tigers, Nick Vlaustin did more than his duty down back as Jayden Short offered plenty.
See our rankings for each player below!
GOLD COAST
Matt Rowell: A+
An incredible performance particularly early hunted the ball and was the difference at stoppage.
Could go to a new level in 2024 if this is a sign of things to come.
Ben King: A+
Started on fire and consistently caused Richmond issues whenever he was targeted aerially. Helped set the game up for his side. Booted five majors.
Will Powell: A+
Playing off half-back and on a wing, the 24-year-old looked classy and clean whenever he collected the footy. Also peeled off his man to intercept well.
Noah Anderson: A
Has been best on against Richmond the last two times he has played them and wasn't far off again.
Sam Flanders: A
Picked up plenty of it in an outside midfield role. Clearly, a best 23 player now after often being overlooked by Stuart Dew.
Touk Miller: A
Alongside Rowell and Anderson helped gain control from the middle early. Looks better for having a pre-season after an injury-riddled 2023.
Jack Lukosius: A
Helped set up the game early inside 50 alongside King. Kicked a few goals.
Malcolm Rosas: A
Looked like Gold Coast's most lively small forward and hit the scoreboard well.
Jarrod Witts: B+
Edged Sam Naismith in the ruck in a solid overall performance.
Connor Budarick: B+
Strong outing off half-back.
Alex Sexton: B+
Looks more comfortable in his new role off half-back with the game in front of him. Could rack up big numbers in 2024.
Brayden Fiorini: B
Ben Ainsworth: B
Nick Holman: B
Charlie Ballard: B
Competed well in the air and intercepted well, particularly early.
Tom Berry: B
Showed some promise in a pressure-forward role. Helps complement what else the Suns have inside 50.
Sam Collins: B
Brandon Ellis: C+
Decent wing performance from the veteran before being subbed off.
Bailey Humphrey: C
Never got his game going despite showing signs.
Levi Casboult: C
David Swallow: C
Moved to a half-back role.
Bohdi Uwland: D
Looked a bit off the pace in a defensive role.
Darcy Macpherson: NA
Came on midway through the fourth term for Brandon Ellis. Didn't have enough time to really impact.
RICHMOND
Nick Vlaustin: A+
Richmond's best, Vlaustin controlled the air and was at his intercepting best. Without him, things could have been far worse in the first half.
Jayden Short: A
Helped ignite Richmond's comeback. Picked up plenty of footy and drove the ball forward.
Shai Bolton: A
Kicked three and looked dangerous whenever he went near it in a deeper role.
Noah Balta: B+
Showed great signs as a forward but was thrown around further up the ground to get things going in the third term.
Dion Prestia: B+
Played a big hand in Richmond's third-term turnaround after a slow start.
Jacob Hopper: B+
Strong individual performance from the midfield in a game where the Suns were strong on-ball.
Seth Campbell: B+
Showed some great signs as a crumbing forward who can hit the scoreboard in his first AFL game.
Marlion Pickett: B+
Got going with a lot of his teammates in the third term playing deeper inside 50. An A+ for effort as well.
Daniel Rioli: B
Gave some solid run off half-back and had some nice moments.
Josh Gibcus: B
Good effort in his official return game. Will build from here.
Sam Naismith: B
Held his own against Jarrod Witts and proved that he's well and truly up to the level after years away from AFL footy.
Jack Ross: C+
Subbed on for Samson Ryan and offered Richmond a spark in the middle of the ground.
Tim Taranto: C+
Solid outing but below his lofty standards.
Maurice Rioli: C+
Had some moments but couldn't capitalise on the scoreboard.
Dylan Grimes: C
Liam Baker: C
Not his best day.
Sam Banks: C
Kamdyn McIntosh: C
Jacob Koschitzke: C
Didn't do much in his first official game in yellow and black.
Nathan Broad: C
Didn't get much of the footy and was caught out of position multiple times in a new game plan.
Thomson Dow: D+
Tylar Young: D+
Was well beaten by King when the game was there to be won.
Samson Ryan: D
Subbed off at halftime after having just two touches and six hitouts. The game changed once he came off.
