Vice-captain Steven May describes him as a "safety net", and it's hard to argue – when Rory Thompson is on the field, Gold Coast is a much better team.
In Thompson's nine games this season, the SUNS have won six. In his absence, they are 0-8.
There's more to Gold Coast's record than just the availability of the rangy 25-year-old defender from Southport, but his value was encapsulated perfectly in last week's win over Fremantle.
With Thompson locking down his man, May had the confidence to run off and launch numerous Gold Coast attacks with his 24 disposals and 13 marks.
The flow-on effect was felt at the other end of the ground as well, with Sam Day released to play as a permanent forward and kicking four goals alongside Tom Lynch and Peter Wright.
"He's a huge addition to the team," May said of Thompson.
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"Rory is like a big safety net.
"He's covering the back 50, so it gives me a chance to roll off and take some intercept marks and have that bit of confidence to go up the ground to get the footy.
"I know if we turn it over we're going to have the big fella back there to stem the flow a bit.
"His ability to hold down a key spot and put away one of their dangerous forwards is big."
Unfortunately for Thompson and the SUNS, his suspect ankles have limited his output over the past two seasons.
Even when Thompson has played, the cloud of injury has hovered over him, restricting his output.
He's played 74 games, and is about to enter his prime.
"I'm definitely not playing my best footy, but it's good to have some continuity back with my training and playing," Thompson said, having now strung six matches together.
"It definitely has been a bit of a rollercoaster the last few years, very up and down.
"I've got more comfortable with what happens when you get injured and how to deal with it, to try and take the positives out of it, and get back as quick as you can and come back fit and ready to play some good footy."
Above his own contribution, Thompson's partnership with May is crucial not only this season, but for Gold Coast to have any success in the future.
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They have been defensive sidekicks the past four seasons and love playing alongside each other.
Since 2013, when May and Thompson have played, the SUNS have won 41 per cent of their matches compared to just 23 per cent when one or neither has played.
"I love playing with 'Maysie'," Thompson said.
"He's a great teammate, and the more time we can have together out there, the better.
"The last couple of years we haven't been able to string together as many games as we'd like to build a strong chemistry and play our best footy at the same time.
"Hopefully the rest of the season we can get together out there and play some good footy."
