In wet, old school football conditions on Saturday night, the Gold Coast SUNS were outclassed by Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium, with the visitors adapting to the difficult conditions better to carve out a 37-point victory, and one that could have been even greater had the Power taken their chances.
Rodney Eade’s men remained in the game for the duration of the first half, but a lapse late in the second quarter handed Port Adelaide the momentum at the main break. The SUNS responded after half time early, but from there it was all one-way traffic, with Ken Hinkley’s side putting the foot down.
Brandon Matera continued his outstanding finish to the season with his class coming to the fore in tough conditions. He made clever decisions and was brave with his ball use, taking options that cut the game open at times rather than playing risk-free football. Matera finished with 26 possessions, six inside 50s, two goals and 631 metres of gained territory - the fifth most of any player in round 22.
Rebounding defender Kade Kolodjashnij has been superb this year, producing efforts that bely his inexperience and age. Like Matera, Kolodjashnij was one of only a few to take the game on in difficult conditions. The Tasmanian looked assured with ball in hand, like a quarterback dictating routes, Kolodjashnij attacked by foot. He finished with 27 disposals at a kicking efficiency rate of 80 per cent, as well as collecting eight rebound 50s to be a key contributor in the loss.
Nick Malceski has battled through a frustrating maiden season in Carrara, with form and injury issues blemishing his year. On Saturday night, the former Sydney premiership defender produced one of his best efforts yet in yellow and red, collecting 23 possessions, an equal game-high eight rebound 50s and five spoils. As was the theme of the night, Malceski was bold by foot in the wet, and along with Kolodjashnij, he provided plenty of drive from backwards of centre.
Jesse Lonergan was handed not one but two difficult assignments on Saturday night, with Eade putting him on Travis Boak in the first half and then Hamish Hartlett after the main break. He did stellar jobs quelling both players when he was on them, as well as collecting 23 possessions of his own, seven clearances and two goal assists.
Who was your best player in round twenty-two?
After 21 rounds, Michael Rischitelli leads the Fans Player of the Year award on 255 votes, ahead of Adam Saad and Tom Lynch who are tied in second place on 192 votes. Second-year defender Kade Kolodjashnij is in fourth place on 168 votes.
