Gary Ablett has claimed his third consecutive Gold Coast SUNS Club Championship, his fifth Best and Fairest Award, after leading the team to a breakthrough campaign in 2013.
The six-time All Australian amassed 343 kicks, 73 marks, 312 handballs and led the Club in clearances (124) and goal-kicking for successive seasons with 28 majors.
Polling 260 votes, 45 more than last season, Ablett secured the historic three-peat ahead of Dion Prestia (213) and AFL Rising Star Jaeger O’Meara (204).
After starting like a house on fire, with his inspired season opener against St. Kilda in the side’s 13-point victory at Metricon Stadium, Ablett led at all major changes.
By Round 21, the star captain was too far ahead to be caught by nearest challengers Prestia and O’Meara.
GC SUNS senior coach Guy McKenna told goldcoastfc.com.au Ablett continued to amaze his team mates by elevating his status in the game each year.
“He was able to find another level of playing and consistency and I think it’s just a superb achievement,” he said.
“And to do it while the rest of the playing group is growing around him was fantastic.”
Despite falling short to Ablett, McKenna was excited with his young crop of emerging stars in Prestia and O’Meara, whom at just 19 and 20 years of age, finished behind the code’s best player in the Club Championship.
“With all the work the coaches have done, the best coaches are your leaders and senior players, and Dion and Jaeger’s development as young midfielders have certainly fast-tracked their development under Gary Ablett.”
2013 Gold Coast SUNS Club Champion Top Ten
1st Gary Ablett with 260 votes
2nd Dion Prestia with 213 votes
3rd Jaeger O’Meara with 204 votes
4th Rory Thompson with 162 votes
5th Jarrod Harbrow with 147 votes
6th Danny Stanley with 142 votes
7th David Swallow with 135 votes
8th Aaron Hall with 130 votes
9th Trent McKenzie with 114 votes
10th Harley Bennell with 103 votes
