Gunston a shining light
Jack Gunston has had a topsy-turvy season but, after a week of scrutiny, the 25-year old responded with the best game of his season against the Suns.
The sharp-shooter kicked a game-high five goals, including three in the last quarter when the Hawks made their move.
Gunston worked hard all day, adding 19 disposals, 12 marks and four tackles to his five-goal haul to be named as one of the Hawks’ best.
Gunston: "I'd give back all my goals to get a win"
Ablett continues his dominant ways
Gary Ablett entered Saturday’s clash having averaged 38 disposals against the Hawks since 2010, including four 40-plus efforts in the 10 games throughout that period.
For most of that time these stellar numbers hadn’t impacted the Hawks too much as they enjoyed their golden era of success.
But on the weekend, the 33-year old was a primary reason for the Suns’ victory in only their third win at the MCG from 12 attempts.
The dual Brownlow medallist picked up 37 disposals, 10 tackles and kicked two important goals in a spectacular performance that extended a rich run of form.
Gallant Hawks
The Hawks never gave up on the weekend.
After the Suns had led by as much as 43 points in the late stages of the third term, the Hawks mounted an admirable comeback, kicking six unanswered goals to wrench the margin back to within nine points.
Despite not being able to the lead again after holding an early advantage in the opening quarter, Hawks supporters could feel a sense of pride that their boys were so courageous under trying circumstances.
Suns on song
The win over the Hawks has proved an important one for the Suns as they remain in touch with the top eight.
In their pursuit of a maiden finals berth, the Suns face Carlton this week as they continue their inch closer towards the eighth-placed Fremantle.
Hello, bye!
The Hawks have undeniably been one of the teams hardest hit by injury this season.
The late omissions of Luke Breust (illness) and Luke Hodge (groin) on the weekend saw them join an already extensive list of premiership heroes including Grant Birchall, James Frawley, Ben Stratton and Cyril Rioli on the sidelines.
A week of rest and recuperation for the players will provide some much-needed respite after a challenging opening half to the season.
The Hawks will then begin to welcome back some of these stars, with Hodge, Birchall and Breust likely to be fit to return for the Hawks’ trip to Adelaide to take on the Crows.
