Gold Coast may have missed the eight, but finished the season on a high with a 67-point victory over North Melbourne.

Inclusion Alex Sexton booted six in the absence of Izak Rankine, as the Suns coasted to the 16.18 (114) to 6.11 (47) victory, which barring an all-time West Coast loss to Geelong, has all but assured North Melbourne of the No.1 pick.

After a joyous 24 hours at Arden Street, securing the signature of master coach Alastair Clarkson for next year, the Roos crashed back to earth with a bang.

Unsurprisingly, the last quarter of the dead rubber was fairly free-flowing, with an element of going through the motions. The Suns flicked the ball around the ground with ease but struggled in front of goal.

Gold Coast was the dominant side in the first half, moving the ball with pace and kicking long where possible.

But both teams arguably struggled to make an impact in attack, making mistakes with that last crucial kick inside 50, key defenders in either uniform feasting on mis-directed disposal.

KANGAROOS v SUNS Full match coverage and stats

The Roos dominated play early after the half-time break, locking the ball inside 50 and forcing repeated entries, but were once again unable to capitalise, kicking four consecutive behinds.

By contrast, the Suns opened the game right up in the remainder of the quarter, booting 6.4 as Alex Davies provided plenty of drive across half-forward and Sexton and Mabior Chol providing a handful deep in attack.

Both Ben Ainsworth and Jason Horne-Francis suffered unfortunate collisions with stray boots in separate incidents, but both returned to the field in the final term after receiving treatment.

A Goat(er) of a debut
There were some bright signs for newly appointed coach Alastair Clarkson in interim coach Leigh Adams' last game in charge. Debutant Josh Goater showed plenty of life on the wing, as well as some much-needed poise and composure when more senior teammates were playing with a little too much wild abandon. The 19-year-old made smart decisions in his 21-disposal, five-mark game.

Welcome back (again), Cunners
North favourite Ben Cunnington made his long-awaited return from testicular cancer last week, when the Roos were playing in Adelaide. Saturday marked the first time hometown fans could show their appreciation. An organised and rousing round of applause marked Cunnington's entry to the game at the 10-minute mark, coincidentally the bullocking Roo's jumper number.

NORTH MELBOURNE     1.5     3.6     5.9     6.11     (47)
GOLD COAST                 4.2     6.8     12.12     16.18     (114)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Scott, Larkey, Mahony, Greenwood, Davies-Uniacke, Taylor
Gold Coast: Sexton 6, Davies 2, Rosas 2, Anderson, Swallow, Miller, Chol, Ainsworth, Lukosius

BEST
North Melbourne: Davies-Uniacke, Simpkin, McKay, Greenwood, Young, Corr
Gold Coast: Anderson, Miller, Sexton, Swallow, Ellis, Ainsworth

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Horne-Francis (head knock)
Gold Coast: Ainsworth (head knock), Lemmens (calf)

LATE CHANGES
North Melbourne: Coleman-Jones (ankle) replaced in selected side by Comben
Gold Coast: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Turner (unused)
Gold Coast: Constable (replaced Lemmens in the fourth quarter)