It seemed a move of desperation more than design. Midway through the first term, and with Gold Coast trailing by four goals, Guy McKenna pulled All Australian Nathan Bock from defence into attack. Something clicked for the Suns. Suddenly, the structure they have sought materialised. The defence tightened and found some run. Bock as a forward target straightened Gold Coast up and the home team, for the best part of three quarters dominated. In the end, it wasn’t quite enough but as a template for season 2012, it was sensational.
2. The response to greatness
Seriously. How good is he? For Gary Ablett, it was another sublime performance. Forty-four touches, two goals and even a hit-out (I saw it, even if the official stat keepers didn’t). The difference this time was the support the skipper received. Jarrod Harbrow, Brandon Matera and Seb Tape were just some of the Suns to step up.
3. When Hille’s not alive, can the Dons make music?
There is a school of thought that Essendon is better off without David Hille. That school is currently on holidays. Paddy Ryder starred last week when Hille went down, but in tandem with Tom Bellchambers failed to make the kind of emphatic statement many had expected (despite Ryder's clutch last-quarter goal). The bottom line? James Hird is probably still no closer to finding out what his best ruck combination is.
4. Forever young
Like Dorian Gray, time does not seem to touch Dustin Fletcher. During his 350th game against the Suns (many of whom had not seen their first birthday when Fletcher debuted), he beat opponents, made crucial saves at critical times and seemed for all the world like the gangly teenager of 19 years ago.
5. The codes collide
It was 10 minutes into the final quarter and Angus Monfries was about to meet Karmichael Hunt. Monfries was haring after an escaping Suns defender when Hunt decided to intervene. The ex-rugby league international had already made his not inconsiderable presence known in what was becoming his best game of Australian Rules. But he upped the ante with Monfries, collecting the small Bomber with a classic (and legal) shirt-front that left him prostrate on the ground and in sympathy with several NSW Blues of years gone by.
