Alex Sexton has always said he is happy to play any role the coaches deem fit, and in 2016 he was their go-to man when a job needed to be done.

Round 18 against Fremantle was Sexton’s defining game, tasked with the job of nullifying Dockers speedster Stephen Hill. Not only did the 22-year-old perform the task on Hill with aplomb, he also collected 26 disposals of his own and a club-record 14 inside 50s in the team’s 24-point win over Ross Lyon’s men.

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The next week, Sexton shadowed Melbourne captain Nathan Jones, keeping the prolific midfielder to just 23 touches while gathering 18 of his own.

Throughout the year Sexton also performed lock-down roles in defence on the likes of Lewis Taylor and Luke Breust as well as games at high half forward and the wing, highlighting his versatility.

“He played a variety of roles. Tagged, wingman, tagged inside midfielders, went to half back for us on a few occasions and then just played as an onballer,” assistant coach Matthew Primus told goldcoastfc.com.au.

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“Probably his Fremantle game was his highlight game where he did a really good job on Stephen Hill and then was able to hurt him the other way and hit the scoreboard. I think he had 14 inside 50s, shots on goal, clearances and tackles .

“He’s got a lot of growth still left in his game. Still got to put on a bit bigger body but he’s got pretty good versatility. He can play a variety of roles for us and most of the time he’s been able to be pretty consistent in being able to back up week in, week out.

“I’m not sure how many games he’s played now but I think his next 50 are going to be really exciting.”