As the Gold Coast SUNS walked off Cazalys Stadium at half-time on Saturday night trailing the Western Bulldogs by 42 points, vice-captain Steven May gathered his troops on field and delivered a passionate speech that had the full attention of his 21 teammates.

With senior leaders Gary Ablett (captain), Dion Prestia (vice-captain) and Michael Rischitelli missing the game, May and fellow vice-captain Tom Lynch highlighted on Saturday why they’re already revered leaders within Metricon Stadium despite their young age.

“I had a chat to the boys at halftime. I said we talk about being a united team no matter who is on the park,’’ May told The Courier Mail.

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“I was worried we would roll over. I said to them: ‘Boys, Gaz, Rischa aren’t coming back, it’s up to us’.

“I was pretty proud of them, especially the way a very young midfield were able to wrestle things back.’’

“My suspension didn’t help. Tommy Lynch has been leading all year, so I was determined to stand up and do my bit.”

As well as his words, May led by example, performing an admirable shutdown role on emerging Bulldogs superstar Jake Stringer.

Stringer had kicked 33 goals in 15 games but was well held by May with the Bulldog kicking just one goal before leaving the ground at three-quarter time with a shoulder injury.

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“He’s a gun, his nickname is “The Package” and he can do it all, play big or small,’’ May said.

“He is an explosive, unpredictable player – like a smaller Buddy Franklin. You can’t really prepare for him, because each week he changes up what he does.

“So I was happy to do my job on him.’’