A thrilling Round 21 contest came right down to the wire, with the Gold Coast SUNS falling short to Melbourne in the final minutes of Sunday’s clash at People First Stadium.

Young key forward Jed Walter was a commanding presence inside 50, hauling in several strong contested marks around the ground while making the most of his opportunities in front of goal. The 21-year-old finished with three goals and six score involvements in one of his most influential performances of the season.

Matt Rowell once again led the charge in the engine room, setting the tone around the contest. After collecting a game-high 18 disposals in the first half, the midfielder finished with 30 disposals and nine tackles in another tireless display.

John Noble provided his trademark run and carry off half-back, amassing 34 disposals, 880 metres gained and seven tackles in another polished performance while Mac Andrew stood tall in defence, repeatedly halting Melbourne's forward entries with several important aerial contests.

00:42

RD21 | Lombard kicks a curler

Leo Lombard punishes Melbourne’s costly error with a composed snap and his teammates get around him

Leo Lombard continued to make his presence felt in the front half, recording eight score involvements, while Bailey Humphrey’s relentless forward pressure rewarded him with two goals. Ben Long also hit the scoreboard with three majors in another lively performance.

00:51

RD21 | Humphrey scores on the stroke of half time

Bailey Humphrey runs back onto the mark and boots a brilliant finish on the half-time siren.