Two of Gold Coast's most influential players returned to play starring roles in Saturday night's win over Geelong – and coach Rodney Eade was beaming.

After missing two weeks with a hamstring strain, captain Steven May marshalled the backline superbly, not only clamping down on Tom Hawkins, but setting up counter attack after counter attack with his 26 disposals.

And midfield battering ram David Swallow showed the value of being rested last week, returning with 23 disposals (20 contested), 10 clearances and a classy right-foot snapped goal.

Throw in captain Tom Lynch (22 touches, eight marks, three goals), Michael Barlow (29) and Matt Rosa (26) and it was a big night for the SUNS' leadership group.

It wasn't lost on Eade.

He described it as May's best game of the year and raved about Swallow and Lynch.

"David Swallow is really vital to us in the way he attacks the footy," Eade said.

"I don't think he's got back to his best yet, and that's going to take a bit of time.

"He knows no other way. His leadership is born out in the way he goes about it, apart from his professionalism, and his attack on the footy – he leads by example.

"I thought Tom had a big influence on the game.

"He's kicked 3.5 and his influence was quite marked.

"His attack on the contest and his pressure and follow-up and his unselfishness."

Former captain Gary Ablett had a big night against his former club, finishing with 32 disposals and a brilliant running goal, and survived a scare when hurting his right shoulder in the second term.

He played the game out and Eade said Ablett's shoulder was fine and "in good shape".

With Jarrod Harbrow in "career best" form, Eade said the most pleasing part of defeating the Cats was the SUNS' ability to alter momentum when it was against them.

He said Gold Coast's willingness to continue attacking – even if it ultimately cost them a victory – was a big step forward.

"With a young group we're learning, we're getting better," he said.

"It's building a bit of belief and trust in each other and that was the thing I was pleased with.

"We've got to build on this again.

"There's going to be some ups and down and we'll get some injuries, but our youngsters are really improving, but it's those experienced guys driving it, the trust and belief they've got in each other is starting to build."