Voting is now open for the Round 8 Austworld Player of the Round, with Gold Coast SUNS grinding out a 14 point victory against Sydney Swans.

The SUNS can take confidence out of the win against the top 5 side, with all 23 players contributing to the final result.

The SUNS engine room refused to give up despite taking on a more experienced opposition, with Jarrod Witts again amassing 37 hitouts and the side winning seven more clearances and 15 more contested possessions than Sydney.

David Swallow’s output was arguably his best for the year so far, while Brayden Fiorini saw plenty of the ball, ending the match with more disposals than any other player on the ground (29).

Rory Thompson made his long-awaited return to AFL, working with fellow defenders Sam Collins and Charlie Ballard to hold the Swans to just eight majors for the game.

Up forward Izak Rankine responded with a dominant display, kicking two goals and helping his side build momentum in the second half, while Levi Casboult continued to hit the scoreboard with another two goals to his name this week.

SUNS members and fans will be pleased to see Connor Budarick and Jy Farrar take their opportunities, while Ben Ainsworth’s workrate and skill held him in good stead once again.