Key defenders Steven May and Rory Thompson were standouts for the Gold Coast SUNS in their 35-point loss to the Sydney Swans at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.
May lined up on two-time Coleman medallist Lance Franklin and although ‘Buddy’ kicked three goals for the Swans, most would say the Northern Territory product came out on top of the match-up.
Thompson took on the in-form Kurt Tippett who had kicked bags of four, three and five goals in his previous three games. In his first game back from injury, Thompson held Tippett goalless and to just six disposals for the game.
After two quiet weeks by his standards, captain Gary Ablett returned to his sublime best without the pressure of a hard tag. Ablett collected 37 disposals, nine clearances, nine tackles, eight inside 50’s and a goal in another performance that would’ve caught the umpires’ attention.
Dion Prestia with 28 disposals and Jaeger O’Meara with 26 provided plenty of run and carry for the SUNS, while Harley Bennell had 22 possessions and nine marks in his first game back from a corked calf.
Zac Smith played his best game of 2014 so far with 12 disposals and 39 hit-outs and Kade Kolodjashnij had a devastating final quarter with two goals to go with his 17 possessions at 88.2% efficiency and seven marks.
Who was your best in Round 12? Vote now
In Round 11, David Swallow was rewarded for his outstanding game with top votes ahead of Dion Prestia and Charlie Dixon. Swallow’s 34 votes cut Gary Ablett’s lead on the overall leaderboard to 71 votes. The skipper leads on 226 votes from Swallow on 155 and Dion Prestia with 81.
Round 11 v Adelaide
- David Swallow – 34 votes
- Dion Prestia – 19 votes
- Charlie Dixon – 10 votes
Overall Leaderboard after Round 11
- Gary Ablett – 226 votes
- David Swallow – 155 votes
- Dion Prestia – 81 votes
