Stuart Dew has continued the successful start to his coaching career with a second win, as Gold Coast easily accounted for Carlton by 34 points at Etihad Stadium.
After a gallant performance against the reigning premiers last week, big things were expected of the Blues as they looked to prove themselves as one of the competition's brightest young teams.
But an inspired Suns outfit would crush their round one momentum, with Tom Lynch's eight-goal haul pivotal in lifting his side to an unexpected 2-0 start to the season.
The Suns were on song from the first bounce, with their quick ball movement and efficiency allowing them to pile on three quick goals courtesy of Jack Martin, Darcy Macpherson and Lynch.
Following the Suns' fast start, Carlton eventually battled their way into the game, however couldn't trouble the scores in what was a scrappy period of footy from both sides.
Several missed opportunities by the Gold Coast frustrated the coaching staff, as Patrick Cripps finally got Carlton on the board after four straight Suns' behinds.
It would take some more Lynch magic to open the game up for the Suns.
And the big forward delivered, with two late goals to give his side a much-deserved 28-point lead at the first change.
Needing to lift, Carlton came out with intensity and grit at the beginning of the second term, as goals to Zac Fisher and Charlie Curnow breathed life back into the young Blues.
With all the momentum against them, the Suns again turned to their skipper in Lynch, who provided the desired quick response with consecutive majors, increasing his tally to five just 12 minutes into the term.
Mistakes were a constant presence for Carlton, as despite some solid work around the contests, ultimately lacked the class to translate it onto the scoreboard.
A big set shot goal from Charlie Curnow would again bring the Blues within striking distance, but not before the dominance of Lynch turned the tide back in Gold Coast’s favour as he put through his sixth goal right before half-time.
Trailing by 27 points going into the second half, the Blues would again come out of the blocks hard as midfield dominance from the likes Cripps, Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow saw the Blues cut the margin down to 13 points.
But a crucial miss from Jed Lamb would result in a detrimental momentum swing, as a classy snap from Martin soon after crushed the hearts of the frustrated Carlton faithful.
Four straight goals to finish the third quarter showed the improvement of the rising Suns, with the fresh Stuart Dew game plan functioning beautifully in what was an exciting period of play for Gold Coast fans.
Lynch put through his seventh goal right before three-quarter time to extend the margin to a daunting 37 points at the final change.
With the game all but decided going into the last term, Blues fans would have hoped for some fight from their young team.
Goal sneak Matthew Wright would prove his class to give Carlton fans a slither of hope heading into the final 20 minutes of the match.
But their faint chances were quickly squashed, as a quick response by Ben Ainsworth and an eighth for Lynch saw the lead blow out to beyond 40 points - Carlton unable to keep up with the fast-finishing Suns.
Late goals to Wright and Murphy would act as consolation prizes for the Blues, as the Suns cruised to a convincing 34-point win.
Gold Coast will be looking to continue their undefeated start the season with a “home game” against Fremantle at the new Optus Stadium next week, while Carlton face arch-rivals Collingwood in a must win game at the MCG on Friday night.
CARLTON 1.1 4.4 6.8 9.13 (67)
GOLD COAST 5.5 8.7 12.9 15.11 (101)
GOALS
Carlton: Wright 2, C. Curnow 2, Cripps, Fisher, Weitering, Lamb, Murphy
Gold Coast: Lynch 8, Martin 3, MacPherson, Lyons, Ainsworth, Young
BEST
Carlton: Cripps, E Curnow, Petrevski-Seaton, Murphy, Mullett
Gold Coast: Lynch, Swallow, Lyons, Witts, Martin, MacPherson
INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil
TALKING POINTS
1. GOLD COAST MUST KEEP TOM LYNCH
Arguably the competition's best key forward, rumours are heavily circulating regarding a Tom Lynch move to Victoria in 2019.
Captain of the previously struggling franchise, everything that Lynch touched turned to gold at Etihad Stadium today a he bullied the Blues' defence with eight goals.
Dominant in the air and on the ground, Lynch’s presence in the forward half was crucial for the Suns as he hit the scoreboard and set up opportunities for his teammates.
With the Suns threatening to develop into one of the AFL's most exciting young teams, it is pivotal they retain Lynch on a long-term deal.
2. CARLTON MUST IMPROVE THEIR CONSISTENCY
After an excellent performance in defeat against Richmond last week, many thought today's clash against the Suns would be a formality for the revitalised Carlton side.
However, it seemed to be back to the Blues-of-old, as poor skills and questionable decision-making proved costly against the red-hot Gold Coast.
Despite winning the inside 50 count by 17, the Blues were sloppy for the majority of the day as Gold Coast dominated around the ball and appeared a much fitter and classier outfit.
If we are to believe the positive transformation that is occurring at this football club, the Blues simply must eradicate games like this and win against similarly ranked teams.
3. JARRYD LIONS IS PROVING HIMSELF AS AN ELITE MIDFIELDER
Following a breakout season for Adelaide in 2016, Jarryd Lyons relocated up to the Gold Coast for a fresh start as a first-choice midfielder.
Now into his second season as a Sun, this has proved to be a masterstroke as more opportunity has seen the 25-year-old blossom into one of the competition's most underrated players.
Standing at 184cm, Lyons is a nightmare match-up for opposition midfielders, with his large presence around the contest and constant threat in the forward 50 always on oppositions' minds.
Playing a pivotal role against the Blues with 36 disposals and a goal, the sky is the limit for Lyons as he continues to develop into an elite AFL level midfielder.
4. NO KRUEZER, NO BLUES?
After a breakout year in 2017, Matthew Kreuzer looked set to take his game to yet another level in 2018 after a strong JLT Community Series and solid start to Carlton’s round one clash against Richmond.
However, after coming off with a groin injury in the third quarter last week, the Blues seemed to lose control at the stoppages and end up getting over run by the reigning premiers.
Named in the side on Thursday, Kreuzer would pull out late of today's game, thrusting key forward Levi Casboult into the number one ruck position.
The loss would be costly for the Blues, as they were made to look second-rate in the middle of the ground by the Gold Coast, losing the clearances by nine and hit-outs by a staggering 39.
This alone proves not only the importance of Kreuzer to this Carlton team, and his status as their most important player
5. SO CLOSE, JARROD...
Mark of the Year for 2018 went begging, after Jarrod Garlett was unable to clunk what would have been an unbeatable mark of the year contender.
In what was one of the few highlights for the Blues, Garlett channelled his inner Alex Jesaulinko, soaring well above defender Jesse Joyce, but ultimately dropping the mark.
Let's hope the excitement machine can produce some more highlights like this over the rest of the season.
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