The SUNS recorded a second straight home victory at Heritage Bank Stadium with a big win over North Melbourne.
We look at some the key moments from the Round 6 clash, thanks to SIXT.
Ben King’s high-five
King’s valiant effort of five goals, including four in the first half, capped off a massive night for the SUNS. Senior Coach Stuart Dew praised his hard work in rehab, saying the key forward found out how hard he can work physically. King is starting to put those learnings into practice, and importantly, never dropping his head or losing confidence in the work he’s done.
Weller & Powell’s superb returns continue
Lachie Weller and Wil Powell have returned from early season injuries in style. Weller’s performance was undoubtedly one of the best on ground recording 28 disposals and 14 marks, while also finding plenty of space against the Kangaroos. Powell was strong as well saying he’s feeling comfortable in the backline and is trying to pick up where he left off in 2022.
Holman’s lockdown role
Nick Holman made a big impact covering 2022 draftee & Kangaroos defender Harry Sheezel, limiting him to only six disposals, before the 2022 draftee, who has been a prolific ball winner in 2023, was moved after halftime
Super-sub makes impact
As soon as young gun Bailey Humphrey was brought on as the sub in the third quarter, he made an impact kicking his second career goal in under 60 seconds of game time. Humphrey is a player that will be challenging for selection week-in, week-out, and as he builds his fitness base, we’re sure to see more and more of him around the ball. Dew has labelled the 19-year-old a ‘pretty special player’ and he’s not always going to be the sub, that’s for sure!
Midfield shuffle creates opportunities
With captain Touk Miller being sidelined, opportunities beckon for members of the SUNS squad. Brayden Fiorini has stepped up in the centre in recent weeks and Bailey Humphrey has been impactful. David Swallow has been also spent time forward recently and is another midfield option.
VFL Team continue unbeaten run
In the Sunday afternoon curtain raiser, the SUNS VFL squad dominated the Kangaroos in a 56-point thumping, winning 20.16 (136) to 12.8 (80). Of the nine goalkickers for the SUNS, Alex Sexton, Brodie McLaughlin and James Tsitas led with five, four and three respectively. Rory Atkins was also impressive with 32 disposals.