There was plenty to take from Saturday’s QClash ahead of back-to-back trips to Darwin for the GC SUNS.

Thanks to SIXT, SUNS Media have had a look at some of the key takeaways from the Round 10 battle.

Great Ball of Charlie

He equalled the record for most intercept marks in a game in Round 9 and Charlie Ballard’s performance was as resolute as ever in the SUNS defence. He led both sides with 13 intercept possessions and six contested marks, showing once again why he’s fast becoming one of the AFL’s premier key defenders.

This kid’s a star

Senior Coach Stuart Dew joked post-match if a player could be nominated twice for the Rising Star award, as young gun Bailey Humphrey, in just his eighth game was right among not only the SUNS best, but best on ground in a field littered with elite midfielders. He earned a coaches vote from 26 touches, five clearances and a goal and was the only SUNS player to poll in the Marcus Ashcroft Medal voting.

Holman’s fierce return

He’s the kind of teammate everyone wants on their side and after missing a fortnight of footy, Nick Holman was back to his fierce best in AFL game #99. Only Matt Rowell and Lincoln McCarthy recorded more tackles and he made his presence felt on the scoreboard as well ahead of Game 100 this weekend.

King in fine form

You now have to go back to Round 4 to find the last game in which King didn’t kick multiple goals. He slotted three goals at the Gabba and was a strong presence inside forward 50. Having missed the entirety of 2022, he’s making up for lost time now with 20 goals in the last six weeks.

Berry battle

Tom Berry’s injection into the QClash as the sub brought about a heart-warming moment as he went toe-to-toe with brother Jarrod for the first time. The two brothers played together 11 times for the Lions before younger brother Tom joined the SUNS during the off-season.

SUNS depth pushing

The SUNS depth continues to develop with numerous players in the VFL pushing for selection in the senior squad. Both Sam Flanders (35 touches) and Charlie Constable (30) had plenty of the ball while Mabior Chol and James Tsitas kicked three first-half goals each. Despite suffering its first defeat, the SUNS sit second on the VFL ladder through nine rounds.