Writing was on the wall in the third quarter

The signs were there for much of the third quarter, and whilst a ten-goal final term is impossible to predict, you could see the Western Bulldogs coming home with a wet sail. Luke Beveridge’s side had kicked only four goals for the game heading into the last quarter, and although they hadn’t taken control of the scoreboard after the main break, they had taken control of the ascendancy. With the Gold Coast SUNS severely lacking run in the second half and seemingly out on their feet by the last quarter, all they could do was try and protect their lead for the final 30 minutes. By the final siren, Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae had led a red, white and blue revival that overcame a 37-point deficit to post a 22-point win and entrench themselves inside the eight.

Another ankle issue for Dixon a concern for the SUNS

The questions regarding Charlie Dixon will continue this week with the key forward succumbing to another ankle injury. For the second time in three games, Dixon was substituted out of the game due to another issue with his troublesome ankle – an injury that has hampered him for the last few years. A week after putting on a clinic against North Melbourne, Dixon had the red vest adorned across his chest by the end of the first quarter. An early clunk suggested he was on early, which made his absence more frustrating as the game wore on. With his partner off the ground, Tom Lynch became the focal point in attack, where he presented strongly, taking nine marks, including a massive six contested grabs, as well as booting 2.3 from 16 touches. Given Dixon’s form the previous week and his sharp start, it’s cruel to think of what the pair could have produced had the big No. 23 stayed on the park for the full two hours.

Second-week stall? No such thing for Ablett

Gary Ablett followed up his eye-catching return with another dependable effort on Saturday afternoon. He burst out of the blocks with a clean, crisp clearance from the opening centre bounce, before following up his work in the forward pocket and snapping a classy goal to get the SUNS off and running. The football gods appeared to be smiling on the son of god early. But then Western Bulldogs midfielder, Mitch Wallis, put the clamps on him during the middle part of the game to nullify his influence on the outcome. With the result on the line in the final quarter, and the support wilting, Ablett led the charge in the final stanza, collecting 11 possessions to do all he could to change the direction of the game. The dual Brownlow medallist finished with his customary 30 possessions, eight clearances, eight inside 50s and a healthy tackle count of six to suggest he is building more confidence in his shoulder. Ablett also gained 750 metres – the third most by any player across the entire round.

Lack of run burns Gold Coast after the main break

One of the problems with bringing an influx of players back from injury in quick succession is a lack of match conditioning, which against the good teams can be found out. And that’s exactly what happened on the weekend, with the Bulldogs putting a slow start behind them to run over the top of a Gold Coast outfit that had bonked ahead of the final climb. It’s difficult to comprehend how the absence of someone with so little experience could be so telling in a game like that. But, with no Adam Saad, Rodney Eade’s side failed to generate run when it was most needed. The game’s leading executioner of the bounce was forced to miss the game against the Western Bulldogs due to a groin injury and his absence left a gaping hole in the SUNS arsenal. With Gary Ablett, David Swallow, Rory Thompson, Nick Malceski, Sam Day, Alex Sexton and Jarrod Harbrow all recently returning from absences, it caught up with the SUNS in the second half.

Kolodjashnij starting to earn the recognition his form demands

Kade Kolodjashnij’s standing amongst the premier young stars in the game is rising by the week. Internally, he has been one of the success stories of the year. Externally, he is finally starting to receive the plaudits his football deserves. The return of Steven May and Nick Malceski in recent weeks has not hindered his progress at all, rather there return has helped elevate his game to another level. In Cairns, Kolodjashnij led the way from the opening bounce. He collected 19 disposals in the first-half, before finishing the game with a career high 30, as well as ten marks, six rebound 50s and 503 metres of territory gained. The Tasmanian has become the architect of the SUNS ball movement with his decision making by foot, from backwards of centre setting Gold Coast up.

It might not be this week, but Miller shouldn't be overlooked for too much longer

How Touk Miller continues to be overlooked for a Rising Star nomination is astounding. The first-year midfielder has been one of the SUNS most consistent performers this season and once again on the weekend his effort belied his inexperience. Miller’s clean hands and astute decision making sees him perform like someone with 150 games next to his name – not 14. The 19-year-old finished with 21 possessions and four tackles to again be in the conversation for the weekly nomination. He will face tough competition this week from West Coast’s Dom Sheed who collected 26 possessions, as well as Adelaide key defender Jake Lever and Greater Western Sydney academy recruit Jack Steele.