He may not have been the most prolific ball winner as the Gold Coast SUNS put in their best performance of the season against Fremantle on Saturday, however mature-aged rookie Andrew Raines displayed how influential he is when it comes to playing his role in the midfield.

Since arriving at Carrara in November 2014, Raines has earned the respect of the entire playing group through his professionalism, fierce determination and his thundering, yet motivating voice on and off the field.

And Saturday was do different, with Raines encircling the younger midfielders prior to taking on the the giant task of quelling an all-star Fremantle midfield contingent.

“They had some star players in there but I actually spoke to the boys before the game and said two arms, two legs, you know they’re only human, don’t get overawed by the situation or the names, just go out there and compete and you’d be surprised by the result and I think that showed,” Raines told SUNS RAW following Gold Coast’s seven-point loss to Fremantle on Saturday.

Raines’s determination was also exhibited from the opening bounce with the 29-year-old seasoned midfielder kicking the SUNS off to a perfect start, booting the opening goal for the home side just minutes in.

It didn’t stop there either, with Raines kicking his second goal of the afternoon at a time when it all but looked like Fremantle was going to run away with the game.

Whether Raines’ verses had any impact or whether his resolve to make life tough for the Dockers had a domino-effect amongst the group, the second tier of SUNS on-ballers matched the Dockers' intensity from siren-to-siren and was a major positive for Raines.

“I thought around the stoppages was great and we just fought it out,” Raines said.

“The way the boys competed, you just can’t ask for anything better than that. It’s such a young team up against arguably the best team in the comp.

“We just fought it out, we spoke about perseverance and I think that was one of our main keys and that showed over four quarters.

“It was definitely a step-up from last week.”

The 128-gamer spent the majority of the afternoon on quality midfielder Lachie Neale, appeasing his effect on the game in the first half before moving up to the difficult assignment of subduing Brownlow Medal favourite Nat Fyfe.

The former Brisbane Lions and Richmond tagger, who had 14 disposals, 10 kicks and two goals on the day, was not daunted by the task set to him instead focusing on his role for the team.

“It’s been good just to be out there, I just feel like I’m one of the older boys out there now so I’ve just got to play my role and if I play my role and demonstrate that, then if each and every bloke can do that then the results will come,” Raines said.

“I’ve been enjoying being out there, just relishing and living in the moment. I suppose not looking too far ahead, because I’m obviously towards the end of my career but I’m just playing one week at a time and just enjoying it.”