1. Better than the billing
It wasn't always pretty, but it never resembled second versus second last. Despite some dreadful efforts in front of goal by both teams, there was plenty to keep fans transfixed as the plucky, young Suns scratched and clawed away at their much-fancied opponents. And it wasn't just pluck. While the Eagles dominated most of the stats, the Suns used the footy better, in close by hand and by foot to switch play to find space to find a way through the West Coast press. Add missing midfielders Gary Ablett, Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia, Michael Rischitelli and David Swallow, plus a few more regular senior players, and Rodney Eade has plenty to look forward to.  The night could have ended in a Suns victory had it not been for a controversial goal review decision against Luke Russell late in the third quarter.

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2. It was a while coming
It was game 148 of season 2015 and it turned out to be the first draw. West Coast has spent the season proving over and over its footy credentials, while the Suns were ruining theirs. Then, after 100-odd minutes of battle, it came down to a surge of desperate efforts by the Suns and a big pack mark from Tom Lynch. Cool as you like, the 24-year-old composed himself, walked in and slotted the goal before leaping into celebration believing, he told commentators post-match, the Suns were five-points behind before his match winner.

3. Bad kicking and all that
West Coast will walk away cursing a night of missed opportunities. From start to finish they sprayed gettable chances, finishing the night with 17 behinds and a handful of shots that missed everything. Entering the round alongside Hawthorn as the best fourth-quarter team in the competition, the Eagles guns stepped up, looking ready to steer the ship home. Jack Darling kicked one last quarter goal, but missed two very gettable others. With the Eagles surging, Mark Hutchins missed a sitter at the 20-minute mark, then Dom Sheed missed from outside 50 with an open goal in front of him before Gold Coast worked the ball down the field into the safe hands of Lynch.

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4. Return of the Jack
You'd have to think Jack Martin kept a close watch on the stunning return of teammate Harley Bennell last round. Bennell starred with 39 disposals on return from footy purgatory against Adelaide in round 17 and, while not quite as brilliant, Martin showed the footy world he is worth every bit of the hype. Martin’s last game came against Hawthorn in Launceston in round nine, a game in which he injured his hamstring. A few days later, he was banished from the team after failing to adhere to the club’s alcohol policy. His return took a while, but would have Suns fans smiling. Two goals, one of which came after a great grab over Shannon Hurn and Sharrod Wellingham to start the second half, a hand in a few others, tackles, forward pressure and enough of a glimpse of those captivating footy smarts that's had tongues wagging these last few years. For his part, Bennell was once again one of Gold Coast's best.

5. Different ends but plenty to play for
Gold Coast and West Coast might be set for very different Septembers, but they each have plenty to play for in the remaining rounds of the home and away season, starting next week. The Eagles face a tough fortnight, with the Hawks at home before a huge Derby against the Dockers to have a mighty say in which position they enter the finals. At the other end, the Suns travel north to face the 18th placed Brisbane Lions in a QClash with lots riding on it, with a valuable place in the draft pecking order on the line.