Utility Alex Sexton has firmly established himself as a coach’s favourite at Metricon Stadium, willing and able to perform any role he’s assigned from lock down roles in defence to playing solely as an onballer.

After a breakout season last year, the unheralded 23-year-old appears ready to take his game to another level in 2017 on the back of an impressive pre-season.

In his first appearance this year, Sexton was arguably the SUNS’ best player on the ground in their JLT Series win over Essendon, accumulating 26 disposals, seven marks, six clearances, eight inside 50s and booting a pair of important goals.

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Sexton also led the AFL in week two of the pre-season series in metres gained with 635m, prompting coach Rodney Eade to describe Sexton as ‘vital’ to the SUNS.

“He was good,” Eade said in his post-match press conference in Mackay.

“He’s quite vital to us, actually. Probably not (in the) top 10 or 12 most talented players but his flexibility and his ability to run.

“He’s improving his kicking. That’s quite vital to us to be honest.”