Gold Coast has now won just one from its past six, falling in a hole since losing its champion Gary Ablett in round 16. However, Ablett's absence has shone a much clearer light on what the Suns need to become a top four team. If they get some depth in defence (they missed Steven May on Saturday) and get their ruckmen fit (Sam Day had to do the job with Zac Smith, Tom Nicholls and Daniel Gorringe sidelined), they won't only be a top eight team, they will push towards the top four soon. In the third quarter, Gold Coast's midfield showed its potential, with David Swallow, Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia, Harley Bennell and Jack Martin running rings around the stoppages as teammates began to man up and stop Essendon's uncontested marks. They ran out of legs but pushed Essendon all the way.
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2. Cale's concussion a game changer
Cale Hooker was out cold before he hit the ground after flying for a mark on the wing in front of Etihad Stadium's interchange gates and colliding mid-air with Tom Lynch. Hooker lay with his hands in the air and was stiff with his arms raised when the doctors arrived. He managed to walk off the ground and smiled deliriously when doctor Bruce Reid asked him a few questions, one of which may have included how far Essendon was ahead (it was 18 points at that stage). Hooker was then subbed off and his absence in defence turned the game with the Suns kicking the next three goals to drag their way back into the match. Essendon had to move Jake Carlisle back to right the ship. The Suns hit the front but could not hold on.
3. Hurley v Lynch: action at either end
Michael Hurley took control of Tom Lynch in the first half, picking up 19 disposals, rebounding the ball from the defensive 50 five times and kicking a long goal in the first quarter. Lynch kicked two but he was waiting for the game to come to him. However once Lynch began working and Cale Hooker was concussed, Hurley struggled. He needed Jake Carlisle beside him to help him in the marking contests and bring the ball to ground. Lynch kept going forcing Mark Thompson to push Hurley forward during the last quarter, switching ends with Carlisle. Hurley was better on the ground inside 50 than Carlisle, attacked the ball and turned the game. He kicked one goal and created two in the final quarter. It was a match-winning move and Hurley ended the game as the most influential player on the ground. The Bomber ended with 27 disposals, 12 marks and two goals while Lynch had 16 disposals, eight marks and kicked four goals.
4. Dons blow hot and cold
The Bombers had 42 uncontested marks in the first quarter and looked to have the game on their terms for most of the first half. Its defence was dominating and under little pressure. All the Bombers needed to sort out were its forward entries (admittedly a problem for Essendon all season) and they was home. However the Suns stopped Essendon from taking easy marks (the Suns took 26 uncontested mark to Essendon's 11 in the third quarter) and pushed the ball outside where they could use their pace. Suddenly they stormed back into the game. The Suns kicked six goals in the third quarter and then the Bombers responded, kicking six in the last quarter. Nothing is as predictable as Essendon's unpredictability.
5. Rising Stars everywhere
Essendon has recruited well since James Hird and Mark Thompson returned to the club and Zach Merrett appears to be another success story. He has pace, poise, is a good decision-maker and kicks classy goals. Playing his 18th game he showed he is a worthy contender for this season's NAB Rising Star (he was nominated after round 11) but he will have competition from some rising Suns. Jack Martin has been good for several weeks and should be nominated within weeks, joining his teammate Kade Kolodjashnij as a candidate for the award. Martin is a super player who works both ways and should live up to the hype, particularly with more games like this one, which featured nine marks and 17 classy disposals.
