The Gold Coast SUNS Fans Player of the Year, presented by Alto Cucina & Bar, will see one player crowned as our best player in 2015. You, the fans, will vote on who you think is the most deserving recipient this season.
Despite missing the final seven games of 2014, captain Gary Ablett held on to the title last season, ahead of David Swallow and Dion Prestia. With the arrival of star rebounding defender Nick Malceski and the development of young players, this season’s award is set to be the most hotly contested yet.
Saturday afternoon was far from the start the Gold Coast SUNS wanted in 2015, with a 26-point loss to Melbourne at the MCG a bitterly disappointing result.
After a long rehabilitation process, it was great to see Ablett back out there, but it will take some time for the champion midfielder to regain form following such a serious injury. He had a couple of moments of brilliance that would suggest he isn’t far away from regaining touch.
Ball magnet Dion Prestia led from the front for the SUNS with 29 possessions and eight clearances to fly the flag in the midfield.
Fellow onballer and seasoned veteran Michael Rischitelli was another leading light for the visitors with 21 disposals and two telling goals in the third quarter.
Steven May had his work cut out for him against Melbourne’s highly touted key forward Jesse Hogan. The spearhead attracted plenty of ball, but May kept him at bay with a massive 10 spoils to reduce his impact.
David Swallow, Harley Bennell and Adam Saad were also named among the best on AFL.com.au.
