Following a disappointing round one loss to Melbourne, goldcoastfc.com.au looks at a handful of talking points from the game.

A dark day for the SUNS to start the season

To say Saturday afternoon didn’t go to plan is an understatement. In a bitterly disappointing start to the 2015 campaign, Melbourne took the ascendancy from the opening bounce and despite patches of strong form during stages of the game; the Gold Coast SUNS never gained control. Conditions were ideal for football, but it was the Demons who attacked through the corridor and took the game up to the SUNS, punishing the visitors at times through aggressive link up play through the middle of the ground. The news didn’t get any better for the SUNS after the 26-point round one loss, with the news being confirmed that budding star Jaeger O’Meara will require likely season-ending surgery to repair a ruptured patella tendon. The 21-year-old midfielder was carried off on a stretcher in his return game from post-season surgery on both his kneecaps.

Ablett to take time to regain form

It was not the return to football that Gary Ablett hoped for, with the champion midfielder struggling to reach the lofty heights that he has done for the past decade. He was closely followed across the afternoon by young Demon Jack Viney, who slung him to the ground at every opportunity to test out his shoulder. When Ablett went inside forward 50 he looked dangerous, booting two goals in as many minutes in the final quarter to reduce the margin to just eight points and give the SUNS a sniff of an unlikely victory. The SUNS captain was below his best on Saturday afternoon, but given the fact it was his first appearance since round 16 last season, he will take some time to not only regain match fitness, but also regain his touch. He is human after all.

Prestia and Rischitelli stand up in the middle

Dion Prestia and Michael Rischitelli were Gold Coast’s biggest contributors on an otherwise dirty day for the club. The pair battled gallantly all day long, with Prestia collecting 29 possessions, eight clearances and six inside 60s, whilst Rischitelli touched the ball 21 times and booted two crucial goals in the third term to keep the SUNS in the game. Steven May spent the majority of the day on Melbourne’s most prized possession – first-gamer Jesse Hogan. The spearhead's debut was built up like nothing before seen in the game’s history and he didn’t disappoint with a handful of telling marks and two majors. Hogan could have been far more influential if it wasn’t for May’s ever-present fist. The SUNS key defender tallied 10 spoils to be a solid presence down back and break even with the debutant.

Shaw in hot water after early report

Wingman Matt Shaw began his season in a controversial manner when he went into the book early for a big hit on Melbourne small forward Dean Kent. Shaw was running back with the flight of the ball when he collected Kent with a forearm to the head that forced the Demon from the ground with the concussion substitute coming in as a short-term replacement. Kent did return to the ground, which may help Shaw’s case, but it is likely he might receive a penalty of some sort to further add to the damage of Saturday afternoon for the SUNS.

Saad makes bright start to his career

One of the few bright lights for Gold Coast on a disappointing day was the debut of mature-aged rookie Adam Saad. The rebounding defender gathered 13 possessions and four rebound 50's in a promising start to his career. His turn of pace and ability to break the lines stood out for the visitors, with the 20-year-old making a couple of daring runs through the middle of the MCG. With the defense under siege for most of the day, Saad was thrown straight into the deep end and will undoubtedly benefit from the tough initiation to league football.

Lynch return to help forward structure

Tom Lynch was sorely missed on Saturday afternoon with the SUNS lacking tall targets inside 50. The spearhead was unavailable due to suspension but will return this weekend against St Kilda. Sam Day looked dangerous at different stages, as did Daniel Gorringe, but the forward 50 desperately needed a Lynch or a Charlie Dixon. Lynch played the opening two NAB Challenge games, as well as a NEAFL practice match against the Brisbane Lions, and after a strong pre-season at Metricon Stadium he will be ready to go this weekend. Dixon is edging closer to a return following ankle surgery, but may still be a couple of weeks away.