Three goals in red time put Geelong in front at the first break, despite being outplayed for most of the quarter after kicking the opening goal in the first minute.
Gold Coast controlled possession and were able to penetrate the Cats’ high press to create marks inside 50. They had seven marks inside 50 in the first quarter as they kicked three of the first four goals.
The Cats, however, turned their fortunes around with their work in the centre square. It gave them valuable territory.
Matt Rowell, last year’s Brownlow medallist, was thrashed and he did not get much help from Noah Anderson, or Christian Petracca, who had Oisin Mullin tagging him.
Expect a much more intense effort from the Suns in this quarter as Damien Hardwick is certain to give them a blast.