Crows outshine Gazza-less SUNS
The Advertiser
Richard Earle

GOLD COAST bad boy Harley Bennell found a bridge over troubled waters but Adelaide keeps banking the points crucial for a safe finals passage.

Gold Coast’s relief at comeback kid Bennell’s compelling 39-touch, 16 contested possession display was dramatically overshadowed by a knee injury to superstar Gary Ablett in the 45-point loss at Adelaide Oval.

Ablett left the field in the first term with a suspected meniscus tear that would mean a month on the sidelines. It was cruel luck for dual Brownlow Medallist Ablett, just four games back from shoulder injury.

Adelaide had never lost to the SUNS but it took an eight-goal, final stanza surge to shake a dreaded Showdown, let-down. Adelaide remains in the eight and on course to honour fallen mentor Phil Walsh.

Crows finish strongly as Ablett injury takes shine off games
The Age
Ashley Porter

Brave the SUNS were, especially considering the loss of Ablett early, and they provided a real highlight – the performance of Harley Bennell.

It takes courage to come back from personal issues and public condemnation, and to lead the SUNS charge in difficult circumstances was heartening. His mum was flown from Perth to watch the game, and like all mums she would have been proud.

This game won't feature on many highlight reels, but Bennell's response to adversity will stick in the memory bank of coach Rodney Eade and club officials who refused to give up on him. Football needs this right now, and he delivered.

Gold Coast can prosper without Gary Ablett, says Tom Lynch
Gold Coast Bulletin
Tom Boswell

THE prospect of playing without captain Gary Ablett is something which no longer daunts the Gold Coast SUNS.

Ablett has been sidelined for the second time this year with a knee injury from the first quarter of Saturday’s Round 17 clash with the Crows.

The 31-year-old was forced off after he collided with teammate Matt Shaw on the edge of the boundary line.

Ablett missed 10 games this season due to a shoulder problem and his suspected left meniscus injury is expected to sideline him for up to four weeks.

Gold Coast has managed to win just two games this season and it is largely due to Ablett’s extended absence which has been compounded by injuries to numerous other senior figures.

But Tom Lynch, who booted four goals against the Crows, said the team was more equipped to play without its skipper.