The Gold Coast SUNS’ 69-point loss to Collingwood on Saturday night was arguably the most disappointing performance of the season to date. In a matter of minutes, the SUNS produced a period of brilliance to tease supporters. In the second quarter, Gold Coast made up for a poor start with four goals in six minutes to reduce the deficit to just ten points in time on. But that was as close as it got, with the Magpies regaining the ascendancy before the main break before cruising to victory and four premiership points.
Tom Nicholls picked up where he left off last week to continue his rich vein of form. It wasn’t his pure numbers that stood out, rather the deft tap work that gave Gold Coast first use of the ball around the stoppages. He finished with 26 hitouts to account for Brodie Grundy and Jarrod Witts, and a stunning 46.2 per cent of his hitouts went to advantage – ranked No. 1 for the round.
Former Hawthorn midfielder Mitch Hallahan is another player building form by the week, and Saturday night he got his hands on the ball for the second week running. Hallahan finished the game with 24 possessions (10 contested), six clearances, five inside 50s and five tackles to highlight his value around the stoppages. He is beginning to build a formidable partnership with Nicholls which will only grow with further exposure.
Kade Kolodjashnij has been asked to carry the load down back without Nick Malceski around and Trent McKenzie coming in and out of the side. It has been a difficult start to the season for the dashing left-footer, but against Collingwood his clean ball use and ability to cut off opposition forays inside 50 stood out. Kolodjashnij finished the night with 23 possessions, 13 marks and six rebound 50s to be one of the SUNS' best contributors.
With Tom Lynch returning to the side, Charlie Dixon was the major beneficiary. He was able to play much closer to goal and instead of having Jack Frost and Nathan Brown double team him, there was an even spread by the Magpies. In the space of five minutes, Dixon tore the game to shreds by booting three goals. He finished the night with 4.2 from 13 possessions and five marks.
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After seven rounds, Michael Rischitelli still leads the Gold Coast SUNS Fans Player of the Year award on 147 votes, ahead of Dion Prestia on 114 and Adam Saad on 93 votes.
