After disappointing outings against the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast bounced back onto the winners list on Saturday night with a solid 53-point victory over St Kilda at Metricon Stadium.
Dion Prestia led from the front for the GC SUNS with his sixth 30+ possession game of the season, collecting 31 disposals, six clearances, six tackles and four inside 50s.
Prestia was well supported by the SUNS midfield group including Jaeger O’Meara (22 disposals, five clearances, seven tackles, one goal), Harley Bennell (20 disposals, two goals), Michael Rischitelli (19 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s) and Matt Shaw (19 disposals, one goal).
Aaron Hall produced one of the best games of his AFL career to finish with 22 touches, six marks, a team-high seven inside 50s and a goal.
Tom Lynch provided a strong target up forward, kicking four goals on the night to take his 2014 tally to 37 majors.
At the other end of the ground, Steven May continued to press his claims for All-Australian honours with a shutdown role on Saints star forward Nick Riewoldt.
Who was your best in Round 19? Vote now
In the QClash defeat to the Brisbane Lions, Danny Stanley was voted the GC SUNS’ best-on-ground and received 27 votes. On the overall leaderboard, skipper Gary Ablett still holds a sizeable lead on 325 votes, sitting well-clear of David Swallow on 221, Dion Prestia on 151 and Jaeger O’Meara on 127.
Round 18 v Brisbane Lions
- Danny Stanley – 27 votes
- Matt Shaw – 18 votes
- Dion Prestia – 11 votes
Overall Leaderboard after Round 18
- Gary Ablett – 325 votes
- David Swallow – 221 votes
- Dion Prestia – 151 votes
