BEVO QUESTIONS SUNS’ TACTICS
GOLD Coast is mystified by Luke Beveridge’s inference of illegal tactics from its defenders after Aaron Naughton’s quiet second half for the Dogs.
The Suns are counting the cost of the fighting loss, with veteran defender Rory Thompson expected to miss more than a month with a meniscus injury. He has only just returned from two seasons out with multiple ACL tears and was playing strong football when he limped off against the Dogs. He could miss between four and eight weeks, with scans on Monday to diagnose the extent of the injury.
Gold Coast defender Sam Collins started on the brilliant Naughton and was overwhelmed early, with Thompson then moved on to him. In the second half, with Thompson sidelined, Collins kept Naughton quiet but, post-match, Beveridge suggested “there are reasons” his star forward wasn’t able to dominate.
The Suns chose not to comment on Sunday but privately believed there was one clear free kick that was not paid as Naughton was held by Collins.
Coach Stuart Dew believed his side’s midfield pressure limited the flow to Naughton.