IT WASN’T always pretty, but Gold Coast has won its third match of the season, running away from Collingwood by 30 points at People First Stadium on Saturday.

Trailing by four points at half-time, the Suns exploded with a seven-goal second half to storm to a 9.8 (62) to 4.8 (32) victory and a 3-2 win-loss record.

SUNS v MAGPIES Full match coverage and stats

Sunny Lappin starred in just her fifth career game, kicking three goals, while Charlie Rowbottom (29 disposals, including 11 clearances) was a force around the stoppages, and Havana Harris (17 and a goal) a destructive presence in the forward half of the ground.

When the game was up for grabs in the third quarter, it was Gold Coast’s youngsters that helped separate the teams.

Lappin kicked her second goal after pouncing on a rare Tarni White mistake before Harris gave the hosts some breathing space with an excellent finish on the run.

Lappin added a third with a brilliant scoop off the ground and composed finish, and when Maddy Brancatisano won a holding the ball decision and kicked truly just before the three quarter-time siren, the Suns had a match-winning lead.

They continued the surge in the fourth quarter, with draftees Ava Usher and Dekota Baron – who also took a spectacular early mark – joining the party with goals.

Gold Coast tried all day to move the ball by running and changing angles, but a combination of Collingwood’s pressure and some poor skills ensured the first half was a tight contest.

White (29, including 14 intercepts) was a brick wall in defence for the Magpies, while Jordy Allen (nine intercepts) also played a great role.

Gold Coast slaughtered their opponents at stoppages 32-9 and as the game wore on it was able to take advantage of the great grunt work provided by Rowbottom, Lucy Single and Brancatisano.

Collingwood fought hard, but looked scratchy going forward and is still without a win through the opening five rounds.

Schleicher a late out
The task was difficult enough for the winless Magpies as they headed north to take on the young Suns, but it became close to impossible with the late withdrawal of Ruby Schleicher. The star forward, who kicked three of her team’s four goals against Carlton last week, was ruled out with a hamstring injury. In her absence, Collingwood battled for forward-half connection, kicking just four goals. 

Baron’s Big Speccie
In just her second game at the top level, Dekota Baron gave everyone a reason to remember her name with a towering mark in the opening minutes. Recalled at the expense of fellow Gold Coast Academy graduate Alannah Welsh, Baron quickly got involved as she charged out on the lead, leapt high and pulled down a terrific grab. 

Next up
Gold Coast will try to solidify its spot in the top eight next Sunday when it travels to Windy Hil to take on Essendon at 1.05pm AEST. Collingwood has another difficult task in trying to win its first game for the season, hosting Geelong on Saturday at Victoria Park (12.35pm AEST). 

GOLD COAST         0.2    2.5    6.6    9.8 (62)
COLLINGWOOD    1.1    3.3    4.4    4.8 (32) 

GOALS
Gold Coast: Lappin 3, Brancatisano 2, Harris, Baron, Usher, Hatchard
Collingwood: Runnalls, James, Howarth, Breed 

BEST 
Gold Coast: Lappin, Rowbottom, Brancatisano, Harris, Single, Nurse
Collingwood: White, Davey, Allen, Remmos 

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Collingwood: Nil 

LATE CHANGES 
Gold Coast: Nil
Collingwood: Ruby Schleicher (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Imogen Trengove 

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 1472 at People First Stadium