Despite being narrowly defeated by Melbourne in round 19, the SUNS have plenty of positives to take back north.
With a list riddled by injury, the young SUNS stood up at the home of football and interim skipper Tom Lynch fell just short of booting the match winning goal after the siren.
The disappointment was tangible.
"It was a very difficult kick. It was a pretty good shot actually, he did pretty well," Rodney Eade told the media post-match.
Eade praised his team for their mental resilience and ability to “hang in there.”
"They're getting some real belief out of that. The leadership's growing. I think Steven (May) and Tom (Lynch) have been terrific, but the others underneath them, even the ones under the leadership group are really developing that."
Leading by example, Lynch was once again a pillar of consistency up forward, kicking two goals alongside seven marks and 20 disposals.
In the midfield, Matt Rosa added his usual class with a team-high 23-disposals, seven tackles and five inside 50s.
Increased time in the midfield is evidently working wonders for Touk Miller, who once again performed his role admirably finishing on 21 disposals, five clearances and nine tackles. Alex Sexton (18 disposals) and Matt Shaw (18) also played their roles in the middle of the ground.
Jarrod Harbrow and Kade Kolodjashnij were invaluable in defence, providing plenty of rebound for the SUNS with 12 rebound 50s combined.
Who gets your votes in round 19?
Steven May earned himself the Fans MVP title with 33 votes for his performance as captain in round 18 against Fremantle while Alex Sexton registered 25 votes.
Round 18 v Fremantle
Steven May – 33 votes
Alex Sexton – 25 votes
Sam Day – 14 votes
Season Leaderboard
Tom Lynch – 301 votes
Gary Ablett – 207 votes
Aaron Hall – 172 votes
