Disappointment continues in Geelong, but a different variety to first two weeks

With three losses from three starts, there is no hiding from the fact it has been a disappointing start to the season for the Gold Coast SUNS. But, on Sunday afternoon, at a ground that has been a fortress in the last decade, it was a different kind of disappointment. Rodney Eade’s men played with a level of urgency and intent that hadn’t been present in the opening two games of the season. But by the final siren, the nine-point loss hurt more because of the opportunity that had been wasted. The SUNS won all of the key indicators that typically result in four premiership points – contested possessions (165 – 152), clearances (54 – 40) and inside 50s (67 – 52). That’s where the disappointment lies. 31 scoring shots to 25 also highlight a wasted chance to put away a decadent outfit on their own patch. If there is such thing as an honourable loss in this game, then you can call it that. Nevertheless, four valuable points didn’t make the trip back to the Gold Coast. But, it may just be the turning point in a season that has started on the wrong note.

Rischitelli's sparkling form continues against Cats

In the absence of captain Gary Ablett, veteran midfielder Michael Rischitelli leapt out of the blocks in the opening half. With the dual Brownlow medallist sidelined indefinitely, Eade had demanded his leaders step up. And that’s exactly what the stand-in-captain did against the Cats. Rischitelli was everywhere in the opening half, collecting 18 possessions to be the most dominant player on the ground along with Geelong captain Joel Selwood. Versatile Cat Mark Blicavs quelled Rischitelli’s impact slightly in the second half, but the onballer still finished with 27 disposals, eight clearances, seven inside 50s and a goal. Inaccuracy infront of the sticks tarnished an impressive display, but his first three games to start 2015 have been brilliant and the former Brisbane Lion would be leading the SUNS best and fairest at the conclusion of round three.

Lynch stands up in face of adversity

Another player to stand up and lead by example at the Cattery was Tom Lynch. The spearhead commanded the forward half of the ground for the SUNS with his effort and attack on the ball a feature from the first siren until the last. As part of the young wave of leaders at Metricon Stadium, Lynch had been challenged during the week by Eade to take ownership of the direction this group is taking. To say he stepped up would be an understatement. Against quality premiership defenders in Harry Taylor and Tom Lonergan, Lynch provided a strong presence inside 50 and up through the wings. He finished with 3.3, missing chances that he should have taken. But, despite this blemish on his day, the 22-year-old plucked six marks and pumped the ball inside 50 on seven occasions from his 19 possessions. After kicking three goals against St Kilda in round two, and another three on the weekend, Lynch is continuing his emergence as one of the premier key forwards in the competition. The difference between his first two appearances of 2015 can’t be measured by goals and marks, rather by his influence on the team.

First-class duo gathering momentum by the week

Jack Martin and Harley Bennell are two of the game's most exciting young players, but in less than ideal conditions on Sunday afternoon, the pair demonstrated their class and poise. Martin kicked important goals under pressure, whilst Bennell pushed through the middle of the ground and was damaging in transition. The 22-year-old is part of the cluster of players Eade demanded to step up after two underwhelming performances to start the season. And that’s exactly what Bennell did, finishing with 28 possessions, five clearances, two goal assists and a game-high eight inside 50s. The lightly-built Martin was equally impressive with his smart decision making and finishing in front of goal. The West Australian kicked three goals and collected 21 possessions, however it was his cool head during frenetic stages of the game that stood out.

McKenzie makes a statement on Steve Johnson

When Eade dropped Trent McKenzie after round one, he sent a stern message to the playing group. Regardless of who you are, urgency and effort will be the measuring sticks of performance. After one game in the reserves, McKenzie was brought straight back into the 22. He started the game at the centre bounce in the first sign he would play a different role than the one across half-back that he has played for the duration of his career. On Sunday afternoon, McKenzie’s game wasn’t measured by how many kicks he accumulated, nor the amount of rebound 50s he generated. Instead, his intent and urgency was on show for the football universe to see. He was sent to Jimmy Bartel from the start, and once he went down with a knee injury, he shadowed Steve Johnson around Simonds Stadium. The three-time premiership star had minimal impact when McKenzie was on him, and a courageous mark running back with the flight of the ball in the third quarter underpinned his commitment to the cause.

Consistency and Prestia go hand in hand

One word describes Dion Prestia precisely: consistent. The hard working midfielder rolled his sleeves up once again on Sunday afternoon, gathering a team-high 29 possessions (19 contested), 11 clearances, six inside 50s and six tackles. After three games, he has tallied 29, 27 and 29 possessions to emphasize his elite level of consistency. The gap between his best and worst is minimal – a trait shared by the best players in the game. Along with contested ball winning animal David Swallow, who collected nine clearances from his 20 disposals, the pair dominated around the stoppages for the SUNS.

With dare and dash, Garlett produces a moment of brilliance

We’ve only had a small sample size of Jarrod Garlett, but already his class and ability is blatant for all to see. In a moment of sheer brilliance on the outer wing, Garlett took off after receiving a handball just inside the backside of the centre square. A quick look at the Geelong player nearest to him revealed a tantalising opportunity for the man who was making just his third senior appearance of his career. Mitch Clark was never going to be able to match Garlett for speed and with nothing but open grass in front of the pair, the wiry West Australian boldly loped down the ground, taking four bounces before calmly slotting through his first goal of the afternoon. There’s no doubt the replay of that scintillating individual effort will be shown again and again for as long as Garlett plays football. Brilliant.