Stand in captain Michael Rischitelli continued his scintillating start to the season with another commanding performance against Geelong. In the absence of skipper Gary Ablett, Rischitelli dominated in the opening half before finishing the game with 27 possessions, eight clearances, seven inside 50s and five tackles.
Tom Lynch threatened to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and tear it apart. He was nearly there all day and had he finished his work in front of goal, he may well have been the difference at the final siren. After being challenged by Rodney Eade to stand up during the week, the spearhead did precisely that, gathering 19 disposals, seven inside 50s and kicking 3.3.
The ever-reliable Dion Prestia produced another consistent four-quarter performance against the Cats. With 29 possessions, 11 clearances, six inside 50s and six tackles he played a pivotal role in propelling the ball forward for the SUNS. With 29, 27 and 29 disposals to his name in the opening three games, his consistency has been sublime in the early part of the season.
Harley Bennell looked dangerous whenever he went near the ball on Sunday afternoon. He always does, but against the Cats he sent the ball inside 50 on eight occasions and gathered 28 touches of his own to be particularly damaging.
After being dropped following a disappointing round one performance against Melbourne, Trent McKenzie responded in an impressive manner. The penetrating left-footer started in the middle from the opening bounce, accumulating three early centre square clearances before quelling Steve Johnson’s impact around the ground. McKenzie’s team-first approach drew praise from Eade following the final siren.
Cool, calm and collected. That’s one way to sum up Jack Martin and his composure in front of goal. The excitement machine took a handful of brilliant marks overhead before going back and slotting crucial goals from inside the arc. He finished with 21 possessions and three goals to be one of the SUNS key contributors against Geelong.
Who was your best in Round 3? Vote now
After two rounds of the season, veteran midfielder Rischitelli leads the Fans Player of the Year award with 56 votes, taking best-on-ground honours for a second consecutive week. Ball magnet Prestia (43 votes) and rookie revelation Saad (41 votes) sit in second and third place respectively.
Round 2 v St Kilda
Michael Rischitelli – 30 votes
Adam Saad – 27 votes
Dion Prestia – 18 votes
Overall Leaderboard after Round 2
Michael Rischitelli – 56 votes
Dion Prestia – 43 votes
Adam Saad – 41 votes
