1. Last stop for football's great promoter

As Kevin Sheedy looked around the 13,080 crowd in the purpose-built ground at Carrarra after his 679th match as coach, he must have felt great pride at the progress of his quest to expand the game. There were no signs of him mailing it in before the ceremonial passing of the baton to Leon Cameron after the game as he passionately addressed the Greater Western Sydney players at each interchange break and was seen scribbling notes when cameras panned to him during play. He will not have any direct involvement as the rivalry between the Giants and Suns intensifies in years to come, but his fingerprints will be all over it.

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2. Ablett boosts Brownlow case

The Little Master's comparatively quiet run of games could not last until the end of the season. A class above from the first bounce, he accumulated 14 disposals and a goal with either foot in the first quarter. The three Brownlow votes were already in the bag by the long break and he added another 19 touches and two goals from there. Gary Ablett senior was also among those in attendance soaking up the masterclass.

3. Teams look more than a year apart in development

At the end of last season there were signs that Gold Coast would a promising campaign in 2013 - most notably in the victory over Carlton that spelled the end for Brett Ratten as Blues coach. However as things stand, ahead of the expected big off-season moves, it would take a brave pundit to predict an eight-win season for the Giants next year. They lost their final four matches by a combined total of 377 points.

4. No bag for Cameron

Everyone in the ground seemed to be willing on Jeremy Cameron whenever the ball approached him but the long-shot for the Coleman Medal never looked like getting home. Needing eight goals to overhaul Jarrod Roughead, his teammates could not provide the service required to make it a realistic chance. Even when within range he was not at his deadly best, kicking 2.3 to leave himself with 62 goals for the season. He will no doubt have many more chances to win the goalscoring crown.

5. Life left in the Maverick

Maverick Weller is out of contract at the end of the season and looks likely to have to ply his trade away from the Gold Coast, but his final game of 2013 suggested there will be suitors for him out there. Greg Broughton's injury gave him an opportunity to make a fourth appearance of the campaign and he used it to put himself in the shop window. His previous best effort in 31 matches was 19 disposals, a tally he topped after three quarters on Sunday.