Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett reminded everyone in football that he remains the competition’s best player in a dominant display against Richmond at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

Ablett turned in a magnificent 41-disposal performance to lift the GC SUNS to their first victory for 2014. 

The ball magnet also collected a team-high six clearances, as well as four marks and two momentum-building goals that put a dagger through the hearts of the yellow and black faithful.

The little master had plenty of support from his rising midfield group, with combative midfielder David Swallow adding 27 touches of his own, including a couple of crucial touches in the dying stages of the match.

Despite his own stunning performance, Ablett was full of praise for his younger brigade following the game according to coach Guy McKenna.

“I said to 'Gaz' after the game ‘super effort, you must be proud of them’,” McKenna said. 

"He said 'I couldn't shut them up' …it was fantastic.”

McKenna was particularly impressed with the ability of his players to run out the game, despite being two men down after the loss of Jack Martin and Charlie Dixon.

“For those boys to do what they did, with two bodies down in the second half with limited rotations, really showed their ability to get their way through the game.”

Defender Steven May, who is now in his fourth season playing alongside the two-time Brownlow Medallist, summed up the feeling of Ablett’s team-mates after watching another masterclass from his skipper.

“Sometimes, even with my opponent, he does something and we just looked at each other and just go ‘what can you do about that?’ May said”

“I’m happy that he’s on our team, that’s all I’ll say.”