GOLD Coast coach Rodney Eade believes Jarrod Witts deserves more recognition for his "shining light" performances, highlighting the ruckman's yield against the Swans as the latest example the ex-Magpie's sizeable but often overlooked contribution this season.
The Swans smashed the Suns by 67 points at the SCG on Saturday night, but four-goal forward Tom Lynch and top possession-gatherers David Swallow, Jarryd Lyons and Touk Miller each earned praise from Eade.
Eade's biggest tick of approval, however, went to Witts, who was traded to Gold Coast at the end of 2016.
"He's really been one shining light for us this year," Eade said.
"His ability to win the ball in the air and then get around the ground - I don't think there's many times he's been beaten this year. He seems to go under the radar, especially among Melbourne media, but I think he's been one of the better ruckmen in the competition."
Five talking points: Sydney v Gold Coast
Witts had 44 hit-outs, beating Sydney's Sam Naismith by 13, laid four tackles and won six contested possessions.
"They talk about some other players - I won't mention - as All Australian, and Witts has beaten them in both games," Eade added.
"I think he's played really well. He's had a good year. He had a really good game last week, really good the week before. It's probably only two or three games that he's lowered his colours. He's been excellent for us."
WATCH: Rodney Eade's full post-match media conference
The Suns were without Gary Ablett, Pearce Hanley, Michael Rischitelli and Aaron Hall for the loss against the Swans.
"I think we had eight or nine who are 21 or younger. I think our younger players will learn from that. In the last quarter we hung in there pretty well. I think it's a real learning curve, especially for our younger blokes, but even for our young leaders as well, to be able to persevere when things are going against you.
"Against those top echelon sides, that's what you've got to try and emulate and that's what we're trying to look for."
