1. Suns rise after horrific week
After the worst week in Gold Coast's history, the cub produced one of its best performances with the 55-point thumping. Following drug scandals involving former player Karmichael Hunt and star Harley Bennell, the Suns were ferocious in burying their more fancied rivals. Gary Ablett's return lifted them, Kade Kolodjashnij was superb, Charlie Dixon a colossus up front and Steven May was the defensive general. They were aggressive, energetic, selfless and at times daring in victory. While finals are a long-gone hope, the rejuvenated Suns have quality players returning and could spoil the plans of many others dreaming of September action.

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2. Gazza back with a bang
It was like the Little Master hadn't been away. Gary Abett hasn't played since round two, but didn’t skip a beat with a stunning first-up game. Tagged by Roo Ben Jacobs, he not only lifted his teammates, but also finished with 31 disposals, 11 clearances and three goals. It was 364 days since he dislocated his shoulder against Collingwood, and after playing the first two rounds this season, showed no hesitation in burrowing into packs and putting his body on the line. Two goals from outside 50m, a trademark snap from a stoppage and a sidestep that led to a Keegan Brooksby goal in the third term were highlights. The champ is back.

3. Kangas' finals claims take a massive hit
The Kangaroos were never in it. They took until three minutes before half-time to kick their first goal and then fell away badly after the main break. Sitting 11th and a win plus significant percentage behind the eighth-placed Western Bulldogs, next week's match against Geelong at Etihad Stadium now looms as critical. The Suns had a hugely emotional week, but it was no excuse for North Melbourne to be outworked and outmuscled by so far. It was only a Ben Cunnington contested mark in the goalsquare late in the first half that spared them from being goalless the first two quarters. Brad Scott returns next week and has a huge first-up task.

4. Dixon's big bag a club record
Out-of-contract Suns forward Charlie Dixon just added a few dollars to any contract offers with a powerhouse display. The hulking forward finished with a career-high and club record seven goals and gave Kangaroo Robbie Tarrant headaches all night. His size was the main concern, winning four free kicks for repeated infringements. Dixon took strong five marks and kicked the ball beautifully. He now has 27 goals for the season.


5. The Lindsay and Charlie Show
We saw genuine contenders for Mark of the Year and Goal of the Year on an incredible night at Metricon Stadium. Lindsay Thomas submitted his contender for Mark of the Year with a spectacular first quarter leap, where he took flight on the outer wing and sat on the shoulders of Suns defender Adam Saad. Dixon joined in during the final quarter when he incredibly held off Scott Thompson with one arm, took the ball with the other and casually dropped it on the outside of his right boot with the Kangaroos' defender hanging off him. Two incredible efforts.