Well, a week is a long time in football. The Gold Coast SUNS got their season back on track in convincing manner at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night, with key forward Charlie Dixon the main architect in the 64-point victory.
 
In just his second game back from ankle surgery, Dixon was the barometer for the SUNS against the Lions, leading by example from the opening bounce to be rewarded with the Marcus Ashcroft medal. He finished the game with 19 possessions, including 15 contested disposals, seven marks and an equal club record six goals.
 
Effort and intensity levels have been repeatedly questioned throughout the opening month, but a player-driven meeting during the week may well have been the catalyst for the turnaround.
 
“The first few weeks weren’t acceptable, so to come out and win like that it was a great turn around for the boys,” Dixon told SUNS RAW following Gold Coast’s win over Brisbane in QClash 9.
 
“We challenged each other, leaders and everyone else through the week. That we needed to be better in all aspects of the game and I think we brought that tonight. It’s sort of being consistent and bringing that each week.”
 
Dixon and fellow key forward Tom Lynch combined for nine goals against the Lions to provide Gold Coast with a couple of key focal points inside the arc. If the injury-plagued Dixon can remain on the field in 2015, the pair could form a potent partnership inside 50.
 
“I love playing with Tommy. You know what you’re going from him every week. The more we play the better we are for each other,” Dixon said.
 
After equalling his own club record with 6.2, Dixon credited the SUNS' full ground pressure for creating a plethora of scoring opportunities. It was a stark contrast to the effort and pressure applied against Greater Western Sydney last weekend.
 
“But I think it was just off the work rate from all the boys from the backline through to the mids to sort of kick us the ball. It was really good to get the win and get off the mark,” Dixon said.