Margin could have been far worse if GWS kicked straight

It loomed as a great opportunity for the Gold Coast SUNS to resuscitate their season – especially after a gutsy performance against the Cats in Geelong. But, the SUNS departed StarTrack Oval with their tails between their legs after the most disappointing performance of the year to date. Fellow expansion outfit, Greater Western Sydney, could have humiliated Rodney Eade’s men further in the second half had it not been for inaccuracy infront of goal. The Giants kicked 8.15 to 3.5 after the main break to finish with a staggering 21 more scoring shots than the Gold Coast. A 66-point margin at the final siren was flattering for the SUNS, for it could have been far uglier when you analyse the Giants wastefulness infront of the sticks, particularly by Jeremy Cameron who finished with 4.6. The game’s youngest franchise dominated in every area of the ground and appear to have gone past the SUNS in the race for a maiden finals berth.

Giants midfield dominance torches SUNS

The midfield battle was always going to have a large say in the outcome of the encounter in the nation's capital. And to say Greater Western Sydney dominated this area of the contest would be an understatement. Once again Michael Rischitelli, Dion Prestia and David Swallow fought bravely for the visitors, but the depth in orange and charcoal scorched Gold Coast. Time and time again the Giants had more numbers around the ball and when they transitioned from defence into attack, a swarm of Giants onballers swept through the middle of the ground in waves, linking up in a clinical fashion, cutting the SUNS apart. Dylan Shiel continued his scintillating start to 2015 with a career-high 39 possessions, but he was part of a well-oiled machine comprising Callan Ward, Tom Scully, Ryan Griffen, Adam Treloar, Stephen Coniglio and Lachie Whitfield who all played their role. The key indicators highlight the Giants' absolute dominance: total possessions (+158), contested ball (+26), inside 50s (+9) and more importantly marks inside 50 (+13).  A complete and utter dominance.

Rischitelli, Prestia & Swallow consistent performers in the midfield once again

It was a dark, dark night for Gold Coast, but once again, as they have done all year, Rischitelli, Prestia and Swallow performed admirably. Although they were beaten by a harder working opposition who highlighted the vital importance of batting deep in the engine room, the trio continued their consistent start to the season. Prestia’s opening half was enormous going head-to-head with Shiel. The ball magnet accumulated 21 possessions in the first half, before slowing and finishing with 29 touches (15 contested) and eight clearances. Stand-in-captain Rischitelli has been brilliant in the opening month of 2015 and Saturday night was no exception. With only two players in Rodney Eade’s side having greater than 78 games experience (Rischitelli and Nick Malceski), Rischitelli’s ability to lead by example was first-class. Although his ball use let him down at times, he finished with a team-high 31 disposals, nine tackles and seven clearances. Last year’s best and fairest recipient, Swallow, hasn’t been as prolific as the other two, but his effort and appetite for the contest has stood out. As we’ve become accustomed to, Swallow rolled his sleeves up and got involved with 20 touches, eight tackles and eight inside 50s.

Miller a shining light on a dark night

There is no doubt that Rodney Eade will make some changes to the side that ran out on Saturday night – he’s already expressed this view. But, one player who is on an upward trajectory is first-year utility Touk Miller. Playing in just his fourth game at the elite level, the well-built teenager attacked the ball fearlessly and his strength over the ball at times stood out, as well as his sharp decision making and clean hands. In a sign of things to come, Miller spent greater time in the midfield than he has in his short career, collecting 22 possessions to demonstrate his ball-winning ability. With not many players standing up around him, Miller’s performance was even more impressive. Eade said last week that Miller has been performing with the exact traits he demands – effort and intensity – and he was rewarded with a strong performance against the Cats. Just four games into a career and its safe to say the former Vic Metro and Calder Cannons captain has a bright future in the game. He may not earn a rising star nomination this week with Melbourne’s Jesse Hogan, Brisbane’s Tom Cutler and GWS' Cameron McCarthy performing well, but if his rise continues he will put his hand up for a nomination at some stage of this season.