The QClash effort may have yielded the all-important four premiership points, but Saturday afternoon’s gutsy performance against Fremantle at Metricon Stadium was arguably the finest performance of the season. In the face of extreme adversity – given the personnel differential – Rodney Eade’s side produced a four-quarter performance full of grit and determination that kept the SUNS in the game for the duration of the encounter.
Mature-aged rookie Adam Saad has been a sensation this season, a beacon of hope in an underwhelming start to the season. He produced a different kind of performance against the Dockers, one full soaked with perseverance and guts. Saad finished with an equal game high 25 possessions, six rebound 50s and five tackles, but his effort was more impressive due to his courage.
Along with Saad, Kade Kolodjashnij patrolled the back 50, setting up counter attacks with his precise foot skills and poise under pressure. The Tasmanian was given the task of leading the defensive group in the absence of more experienced defenders, and he performed the duty with aplomb. Kolodjashnij accumulated 25 disposals of his own, seven marks and four rebound 50s to be one of the SUNS key contributors.
If anyone personified effort and intent it was stand-in-captain Michael Rischitelli. The midfielder impacted the game through pure determination and his influence on the young crop of players played a defining role in producing such an even level of contribution across the board. Nine tackles epitomised his commitment to the cause, along with 23 hard-earned touches, four clearances, four rebound 50s and three inside 50s.
Someone needed to provide Gold Coast with run and drive through the arcs and that someone was Luke Russell. The wingman was highly influential in difficult conditions, registering 465m – the second most behind Nat Fyfe – and putting the ball inside 50 on four occasions. In his finest performance of the season to date, Russell stood up against an A-Grade midfield, indicating that he might be in for a strong second half of 2015.
Andrew Raines was given the difficult task of stopping Fremantle ball magnet Lachie Neale, in a negating role that didn’t expect him to boot two goals like he did in the opening half. He subdued the typically prolific Neale, whilst getting involved at the same time.
Who was your best player in round eleven?
After ten rounds, Michael Rischitelli still leads the Fans Player of the Year award on 178 votes, ahead of Adam Saad on 118 votes and injured star Dion Prestia on 114.
