FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT

IMPACT OF INJURY: Knee injuries to Ben Ainsworth and David Swallow took a toll. Both had to rest in the forward line, reducing the speed and pressure Gold Coast had there.

FIORINI: Brayden Fiorini was outstanding. The young club leader won his own ball and got the team going forward out of the centre square. He complemented the likes of Touk Miller and Anthony Miles, who also had solid games.

TURNOVER: Gold Coast were their worst enemy at times. Simple errors coming out of their own half and even dropped marks in front of goal cost them turnovers and St Kilda punished them.

SPEED DOWN THE GROUND: Gold Coast showed they can use their pace effectively coming out of the backline. Lachie Weller and Jarrod Harbrow posed real threats while Pearce Hanley was pushing through the middle of the ground. It’s where Gold Coast looked their best.

SELFLESS FOOTY: George Horlin-Smith didn’t produce the biggest numbers but the midfielder was a big reason why some of his teammates could impact the game. Horlin-Smith was the most selfless player Gold Coast had.