After skipper Gary Ablett went down early in the third quarter of the clash with Collingwood at Metricon Stadium, many would have expected the young GC SUNS team to succumb to the Magpies without their inspirational leader.
A trio of West Australians, however, stood up in the second half to lead the SUNS to a courageous five-point victory, with David Swallow, Jaeger O’Meara and Harley Bennell all playing crucial roles in the gutsy win.
Swallow continued his outstanding season with 31 disposals, seven marks, eight clearances and four inside 50s and will almost certainly challenge Ablett for the 2014 Gold Coast SUNS Club Champion award later in the year.
O’Meara played like a veteran and was everywhere in the last quarter, finishing the match with 25 disposals, eight marks and six tackles while Bennell tallied 26 touches and eight marks for Gold Coast.
After six matches without a goal to his name, forward Sam Day stood tall with a return of four majors coming from 13 disposals and eight marks. His forward 50 partners, Charlie Dixon and Tom Lynch, both kicked two goals with the latter also picking up 21 possessions and five inside 50s in another fine performance.
At the other end of the ground, Steven May repelled numerous attacks with crucial spoils while Rory Thompson did the shutdown role on Travis Cloke after the big Collingwood forward looked dangerous early on.
The list of contributors goes on with Jarrod Harbrow (26 possessions, four clearances), Danny Stanley (26 possessions, six marks, four inside 50s) and Greg Broughton (22 possessions, seven marks) all finding plenty of the Sherrin.
Who was your best in Round 16? Vote now
In Round 15, Gary Ablett took top votes for his 45-disposal performance against the Hawks to build a sizeable lead over those challenging him for the title of 2014 GC SUNS Fans Player of the Year. Ablett has tallied 321 votes for the season, ahead of David Swallow on 177 and Dion Prestia on 127.
Round 15 v Hawthorn
- Gary Ablett – 38 votes
- David Swallow – 15 votes
- Jaeger O’Meara – 14 votes
Overall Leaderboard after Round 15
- Gary Ablett – 321 votes
- David Swallow – 177 votes
- Dion Prestia – 127 votes
