Rocket points finger at first quarter, not last

When the game was on the line, Greater Western Sydney made the most of their opportunities in front of goal to leave Metricon Stadium with four premiership points and a chance of a maiden finals appearance still in tact. Unlike last week, it wasn’t a matter of being overrun in the final term. Instead, it was simply a matter of being outclassed. Giants star Devon Smith put the SUNS to the sword in a patch of brilliance to drag his side over the line courtesy of three final quarter goals, along with two goal assists. Despite the disappointing finish to a game, where his side hit the lead during the early part of the last quarter, Rodney Eade pointed the finger at a poor start that was masked by two goals in the dying minutes of the opening term that caused the scoreboard to not be a true reflection of where the game sat at that point in time.

Surely Miller finally receives a Rising Star nomination this week

If Touk Miller isn’t anointed with a Rising Star nomination this week there will be outrage in southern Queensland. The first-year midfielder has been overlooked for nomination worthy performances on several occasions, but after producing the finest effort of his blossoming career on Saturday, he has left the panel with no alternative. With David Swallow returning to the medical ward, Miller thrived on the increased midfield minutes, accumulating career-high figures and lapping up the added responsibility which comes with playing in the middle. The tenacious onballer was first-class against the Giants; he was clean with his handling and made smart, astute decision with his distribution. Miller finished with 27 possessions (18 contested), nine clearances, seven tackles, three goal assists and two majors of his own. Full rounded performance? Tick. Nomination? Surely.

Ablett puts to bed any lingering doubt regarding his shoulder with record breaking effort

Another week, another added layer to the Gary Ablett story. It must not be underestimated how remarkable his performance has been since returning three weeks ago. Given the amount of football he has missed and the seriousness of his injury in terms of confidence more than anything, the dual Brownlow medallist has returned as influential as ever. We have become accustomed to seeing the champion collect leather at will and kick goals of mastery. But on Saturday afternoon, the captain broke a new club record, a record that will put to bed any doubt over the state of his shoulder and will be a shot of confidence. Ablett finished with a whopping 17 tackles, and a 100 per cent tackle efficiency rate. He collected his customary 30 touches, along with nine clearances, five inside 50s, three goals and 708 metres of gained territory – the most of any player for the round. He is a marvel.

Gold Coast midfield battles bravely against superior depth and class

The gulf in midfield weaponry was a major area of concern for Eade and the SUNS in the lead up, but given the talent and depth discrepancy, an undermanned Gold Coast engine room battled gallantly. When Tom Nicholls departed the game early in the opening quarter with a badly corked quad, the decision to select Zac Smith was a godsend. The SUNS levelled the ruck ledger in terms of hitouts (-2), but were beaten in disposals (-79), clearances (-12), inside 50s (-16) and once again uncontested ball was a problem (-74). Callan Ward (30 disposals) and Devon Smith (27 disposals) did the bulk of the damage for the Giants, whilst Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly and 100-gamer Tom Scully provided a strong support crew. Ablett and Miller fought bravely for the duration, but when the whips started cracking, the cream rose to the top and the Giants array of onball talent got the job done.

Malceski beginning to click into gear

His first year in Carrara has not quite been what Nick Malceski would have envisaged, but the tide has begun to turn in his favour in recent weeks. The 2014 All Australian defender has begun to find the potency in his left foot again that saw him establish himself as one of the more destructive defensive ball users in the game. On Saturday afternoon, Malceski collected a season-high 25 possessions at a disposal efficiency rate of 84 per cent, as well as eight rebound 50s and six marks. Despite some errant kicking this season, he has not lost his boldness with ball in hand, and against Greater Western Sydney some of his ball use was sublime. With seven games remaining, expect the former Swans premiership star to continue his gradual rise in the closing stages of the season.

Back six keeps Giants stars out bay

A combined total of three goals was the grand total recorded between Giants star duo Jeremy Cameron (two goals) and Cam McCarthy (one goal) at Metricon Stadium. After coming into the game as the second ranked attacking one-two in the league, Steven May and Rory Thompson kept the pair at bay despite a comprehensive forward entry discrepancy (53-37). In the third quarter, with the ball anchored inside the Giants forward third, Cameron had a plethora of opportunities to put the game beyond reach. But he registered 1.4 for the quarter to miss a golden opportunity to strengthen his position in the Coleman medal race. Although May’s pressure for the majority of the encounter was elite, as was his rebound out of the back half that set up attack from defence on numerous occasions. Trent McKenzie also continued his strong patch as a more lock down defender, subduing dangerous half-forward Rhys Palmer.