The return of Gary Ablett will enter football folklore. For as long as the game is played in southern Queensland, those passionate about the game will reminisce about how the little master, with his array of trickery, was able to return to the game and influence it so substantially.
Admittedly he was slow out of the blocks, but once the whips started cracking in the second half, he finished with a full head of steam. A 14-possession effort in the final term meant he ended the game with another swag of disposals, finishing with 31 for the night, along with 11 clearances and three goals.
Whilst it wasn’t the greatest performance of his career – not even close – the effort, after such a long absence, was decisive in the Gold Coast SUNS' 55-point victory over North Melbourne.
Ablett’s return may have stolen the show, but Charlie Dixon was the show. The spearhead put on a clinic, booting seven goals to record a new club record at Metricon Stadium. The big bustling key forward plucked five marks, all of which came inside 50, and built his opportunities on the back of contested marks, grabs on the lead as well as doing his damage at ground level.
A dual Brownlow medallist and Dixon may have pinched all the headlines, but the Kade Kolodjashnij was the architect in the big win. The rebounding defender got the ball rolling in the opening half, collecting 19 touches by the main break, before finishing with 28 for the game, as well as six rebound 50s and a goal.
Steven May reminded the football world of his standing in the game with a dominant display down back. He blanketed North Melbourne star Drew Petrie, before constantly coming across to support his teammates with timely fists. May’s statistics don’t leap off the page, but 14 spoils indicated the significance of his output.
Last year’s best and fairest winner, David Swallow, made a strong return to the game after last playing in round four. Like Ablett, the star midfielder took a while to work his way into the game, but regained touch in the second half to be a key contributor. Swallow collected 22 possessions, eight tackles and four clearances and will undoubtedly be better off for the run.
Who was your best player in round fourteen?
After thirteen rounds, midfielder Michael Rischitelli still leads the Fans Player of the Year award on 219 votes, ahead of mature-aged rookie revelation Adam Saad (163 votes) and injured star Dion Prestia (114 votes)
