It was a big game for Gold Coast and a big game for Gary Ablett on a personal level too.

A win in his 300th game was the aim and the Little Master played a big part in making it happen.

“For us it was about winning the game and each individual playing their role” he told SUNS TV after Saturday’s win against North Melbourne.

The superstar midfielder amassed 37 disposals, ten clearances and seven inside 50s, however wasn’t his usual dominant self until he came to the fore in the final quarter.

With all the fanfare associated with milestone games, along with his recovery from a calf injury that delayed celebrations by a week, Ablett was certainly kept busy during the lead in to the game.

“I spent a lot of time trying to get up for the St Kilda game last week and I ended up being off my legs for eight or nine days, so I was a little sore going in.

“It was a busy week, but I put the phone down the day before the game and just made sure that I was preparing the way I normally would and that I was focused and it was just good to get the win.”

Despite the win, there are a number of areas that Gold Coast players are keen to improve on.

With the lead out to 40 points at one stage, the SUNS let North Melbourne back into the game and have identified areas to tighten up.

“It was probably skill execution. We gave them a couple of easy goals, missing kicks and we probably over-handballed at times as well.

“We’ve got to continue to work on that and I think that area of the game will see a huge improvement as we practice it on the field under that type of pressure.” Ablett said.

The SUNS will now turn their attention to the in-form Swans, who they will face on Saturday afternoon at the SCG.

“A team like Sydney are a great pressure side and we need to make sure we are making the right decisions next week.

“You want to win every week…although they’re in good form, it’ll be a good test for where we are at.”