After spending plenty of time in the back half of the ground last season, Gold Coast SUNS midfielder David Swallow has provided his team with a much-needed boost on the scoreboard this season.

Swallow has kicked 6.9 so far in 2014, which is a far cry from the five scoring shots he managed last campaign in a different role.  He picked up two majors in the win over Melbourne at the weekend, including a classic roving goal which came a vital time with the Demons building momentum in the final term.

The West Australian managed 22 goals in 51 games prior to this season, so he has more than doubled his career average in the early part of this year.  Just as importantly has been his ability to deliver the ball in to the forward line, as he sits equal-12^th with teammate Jaeger O’Meara for inside 50s across the AFL over the first five rounds.

With the top teams generally featuring a large spread of goalkickers, Swallow said it is important for the GC SUNS to find avenues to goal other than key forwards Tom Lynch and Sam Day.

“It’s something (kicking goals) that we work hard on as a midfield group,” Swallow said.

“We think it adds a bit to our game if we can kick a couple of goals, as well, so I guess scoreboard pressure, it’s definitely something we definitely want to build on.”

Swallow has been amongst the SUNS’ best in almost every match so far and after round 4 he sat neck-and-neck with Gary Ablett in the race to be named Fans Player of the Year.

The match against the Dees was his quietest of the season – his tally of 18 disposals was the first time he hasn’t racked up 26-plus disposals in a match in 2014 – but he found other ways to make an impact on the game with his brace of goals.

It is worth noting that Swallow’s older brother, Andrew, didn’t start dominating games until his fourth season, either.  Regardless, the former No. 1 draft pick said the main reason for his greater output has been starting the year injury-free.

“Yeah, I’m getting there; the body is feeling good and I’ve been able to contribute, too, which has been nice.

“I want to keep that consistently up for the rest of the year.”

The SUNS star has the chance to maintain his form against a much-improved GWS Giants outfit at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The loss to Hawthorn in round 4 snapped a four-game winning streak in front of the club’s home fans, and Swallow wants as many fans at the ground as possible to push the team along as it tries to maintain its spot in the top eight.

“The Giants are in good form so they’re like us, got a good midfield.

“(It’s) going to be really tough, but we play well at home so I’m sure we’ll get up to it.”

Saturday’s game is the last chance for Gold Coast fans to see the team in action at Metricon Stadium until the round 10 clash with the Western Bulldogs on May 25.