goldcoastfc.com.au has reviewed the week three NAB Challenge fixture against Brisbane and identified the following key discussion areas:

Summer campaign culminates in a tight affair

The pre-season campaign concluded in dramatic fashion with Brisbane ruckman Matthew Leuenberger kicking a goal in the final 20 seconds to draw the final game of the NAB Challenge series. In hot and humid weather at Metricon Stadium on Friday night, the opening half was a scrappy affair due to the slippery conditions. The intensity was fierce from the opening bounce, with both sides treating the final hitout as a full dress rehearsal ahead of round one. The Gold Coast SUNS took the ascendancy in the third quarter, booting four unanswered goals to take a commanding 23-point lead into the final break. With no Tom Lynch, Charlie Dixon or Sam Day inside 50, the SUNS looked far from potent when heading forward. Despite winning the clearances 43-31 and the inside 50s 62-49, Rodney Eade’s men failed to put the Lions to the sword. A five goal to one final stanza saw Brisbane claw their way back into the contest and salvage a draw in the final moments of the encounter. With a handful of stars missing for the SUNS, and Brisbane at full strength, the result was encouraging for the home side. Although, Gold Coast must find a way to put teams away when they’re in a commanding position.

Business as usual for leather accumulator Prestia

Ball magnet Dion Prestia played his first NAB Challenge game of the pre-season, looking his usual leather accumulating best. After getting some solid minutes into his body in the NEAFL practice match last weekend, Prestia jumped out of the blocks against the Lions, collecting 12 possessions in a destructive opening term. He slowed as the game wore on but finished the match with 29 disposals, including 14 contested possessions, ten clearances and nine inside 50s to be one of the SUNS' best players in their final hit out ahead of round one. A frustrating pre-season plagued by a nagging hamstring complaint looks to be well and truly behind Prestia now. Alongside David Swallow, Harley Bennell, Michael Rischitelli, Jarrod Harbrow and Mitch Hallahan, the SUNS midfield is looking ominous. When you add in Gary Ablett, Jaeger O’Meara and Jack Martin, the on-ball brigade at Metricon Stadium is first-class.

Another strong showing from Bennell sends an ominous warning

The arrival of Nick Malceski and Mitch Hallahan has generated plenty of media interest during the NAB Challenge series and throughout the entire pre-season for that matter. And the absence of Gary Ablett and Jaeger O’Meara has produced a plethora of newspaper columns. But, in all this, Harley Bennell has produced a scintillating NAB Challenge series that culminated on Friday night with 31 possessions, seven inside 50s, five clearances and one goal. Admittedly his disposal efficiency was down against the Lions, but his ability to spark scoring opportunities for his teammates has been a highlight of his pre-season campaign. Across all three games, Bennell has undoubtedly been the SUNS' best performer, averaging 23 possessions, six inside 50s and five clearances. On the back of a strong summer on the track, and moments of brilliance in the NAB Challenge series, Bennell is primed for his biggest season yet.

May, Thompson return to build synergy down back

Steven May and Rory Thompson returned against Brisbane to provide the defensive section of the Gold Coast spine with some resilient stability. Despite being moderately underdone, the pair looked sharp from the outset, chopping off opposition attacks and demonstrating their appetite for the contest. It was the first time the SUNS' new look back six had an opportunity to play together as a unit, with off-season acquisitions Nick Malceski and Adam Saad looking at home in red and gold tapestry. On the eve of the home and away season, prized recruit Malceski put together his best performance of the pre-season against the Lions, collecting 27 disposals and five rebound 50s. Saad and Trent McKenzie, along with Kade Kolodjashnij all provided plenty of run and carry out of the back half of the ground and may have been more damaging if the conditions were conducive to more efficient ball use. With so many quality ball users down back, it’s easy to be seduced by the attacking side of defence. Dour defender Greg Broughton highlighted the importance of shutting down dangerous opposition small forwards. He kept the Lions ‘mosquito’ fleet quiet and pressed his claim for a spot on Rodney Eade’s round one side.

Still searching for a different goal source without Lynch, Dixon or Day

In less than a fortnight, Melbourne awaits at the mecca of football – the MCG. With Tom Lynch ineligible due to suspension and Charlie Dixon still in the rehabilitation group, the SUNS will be forced to find a different avenue to goal. Sam Day returned in the NEAFL practice match, but given his body’s fragility during this pre-season, he may be given more time to get himself right. Therefore, draftees Jarrod Garlett and Touk Miller are considered a strong chance to debut in round one. The pair’s defensive pressure has stood out in the NAB Challenge series, although they haven’t hit the scoreboard much as of yet. Brandon Matera booted two goals on Friday night and looked lively with the ball in hand. Whilst Alex Sexton played as a permanent forward after being one of the SUNS best contributors playing in the midfield against Geelong in the opening NAB Challenge fixture. The match committee will have their work cut out for them as they try and decide the best formation to combat the Demons.