The Kangaroos booted seven goals to one in the first quarter and held that margin throughout to claim a 14.15 (99) to 11.6 (72) win at Metricon Stadium.

Ziebell was among the best on ground, kicking two goals, laying 10 tackles and picking up 29 disposals in an all-action display.

The win lifts the Kangaroos to a 5-7 record and means interim coach Rhyce Shaw has a perfect two-from-two record ahead of a clash with little brother Heath's GWS in Hobart next weekend.

"It's a good feeling. The boys are playing some good footy and they're starting to get some rewards for it," Shaw said.

"We went in with the focus of really starting well - we knew Gold Coast have been up and about lately so we wanted to be on the front foot with that, and I think our first quarter showed that.

"It also helped that it was the skipper's 200th game, so the boys were really in tune to that."

The victory came despite losing star midfielder Shaun Higgins in the third minute to a shoulder injury, which Shaw said "doesn't look good". Higgins will undergo scans on Monday.

Gold Coast simply weren't at the races in the opening term, with the Kangaroos at one point dominating the possessions count 85-45.

Youngster Tarryn Thomas kicked two of those majors and finished the game as one of five Kangaroos with two goals.

Ziebell, Coleman Medal contender Ben Brown, Mason Wood and Kayne Turner were the other multiple goalkickers for the visitors.

Ben Cunnington had 31 disposals for the Kangaroos while Jared Polec (one goal, 28 disposals) was also impressive.

Ben King was the only multiple goalkicker for the Suns with two majors, while Will Brodie (nine marks, nine tackles and 30 disposals) and Brayden Fiorini (31 disposals) were impressive in a beaten team.

Suns midfielder Jack Martin was placed on report late in the second term for high contact on Ziebell when the pair contested for the ball on the ground.

Charlie Ballard may also attract the attention of the match review committee after appearing to catch Turner with an elbow.

The Suns had an injury concern of their own with Jordan Murdoch limping off with a left ankle problem in the third quarter which will also be assessed throughout the week.

Suns coach Stuart Dew said his team's eighth defeat in a row was down to the unacceptable start.

"Bit uncharacteristic really, our starts have been our strength ... our other 11 starts have been really good so it's an opportunity missed given the way we were able to play the last three quarters," Dew said.

The Suns will be hoping to end their losing run before the bye when they host St Kilda in Townsville next Saturday.

Australian Associated Press