Just as he has done so consistently for Gold Coast, Gary Ablett rallied his team to its third win in five rounds on a scrappy afternoon at the MCG on Sunday.

The game’s best player turned in masterclass performance against Melbourne in the Easter Sunday clash, sewing up the three Brownlow medal votes on offer with a game-high 32 touches, eight clearances, four inside-50s and two goals to lead his team to its second-ever victory at the iconic home of football.

The star midfielder was simply sensational in what was a defining second quarter of football for Gold Coast.

He spread hard on the outside and prevailed with ease each time he burst through a stoppage.

When the game was there to be won in the final term, it was the two-time premiership midfielder that had the strongest impact, all but burying the Demons’ hopes with a match-sealing goal with just eight minutes remaining in the deciding quarter.

Although pleased with the win, the SUNS failed to capitalise on their opportunities in front of goal, conceding an unacceptable total of 20 minor scores from 31 scoring shots.

“We only had the one game here; we did a lot of things well but didn’t finish off our good work,” he said.

“We had 20 points (today) and we were lucky to get across the line and get the win.”

From high above the MCG playing surface, Ablett’s legendary father could be seen watching his equally talent son, who in his own right has stamped his mark as a modern-day great.

Despite not having played for almost 18 years, Ablett says the AFL Team of the Century member could still kick a bag of goals for Malcolm Blight and Guy McKenna.

“If you ask him I’m sure he’ll say he can still kick three-four goals,” Ablett smirked.

“He has been an amazing support for me so it will be good to catch up with him after the game.”