It was another tough night for the Gold Coast SUNS with a depleted outfit being put away to the tune of 41 points by the Adelaide Crows on Saturday night. With an injury plague engulfing Rodney Eade’s side, and a host of players ineligible for selection due to suspension, the inexperienced SUNS outfit were outclassed at Metricon Stadium.
Dion Prestia continued his excellent start to the season with another workmanlike performance. In typical fashion, Prestia accumulated 28 possessions and seven clearances to be one of the SUNS' best performers. He missed most of the last quarter after coming from the ground with a minor concussion, but he had already done his damage by then.
Young utility Alex Sexton was handed the difficult task of running with Adelaide All Australian half-back Brodie Smith and he performed the duty brilliantly. If given adequate room, Smith has the capacity to cut opposition sides apart. On Saturday night, Sexton kept him to just nine touches in the first three quarters before pushing forward.
Touk Miller continues to flourish with greater midfield minutes and his performance against the Crows was one of his best yet. In just his sixth game, the teenager collected 21 possessions, 12 score involvements, five inside 50s and four tackles. Once again, he played with a conviction that belies his inexperience.
Another youngster who has been a beacon of hope during a difficult start to the season is Adam Saad. Like Miller, the mature-aged rookie was once again a key contributor on Saturday night. He accumulated an equal career-high 26 possessions and continued to play with an air of confidence and flair that defies logic. Given his lack of experience.
A week after producing a brilliant six-goal effort against Brisbane that won him the Marcus Ashcroft medal, spearhead Charlie Dixon made the most of limited chances to boot three goals against the Crows. Opposed to last year’s All Australian full back Daniel Talia, Dixon had his work cut out for him but kicked three hard earned goals to continue his strong recent form.
Who was your best in round six? Vote now!
After five rounds of the season, Michael Rischitelli still leads the Fans Player of the Year award on 125 votes, ahead of Dion Prestia on 76 and Adam Saad on 72 votes.
Round 5 Player of the Year Votes:
Charlie Dixon 38
Harley Bennell 19
Adam Saad 18
Overall Leaderboard after 5 rounds:
Michael Rischitelli 125
Dion Prestia 76
Adam Saad 72
