With four wins in their first six games, the Suns sit comfortably inside the top eight and are poised to make their first finals appearance.
While the midfield is often the main source of conversation, an improved forward line has also been the catalyst for the rise up the ladder.
Sam Day and Tom Lynch have managed bags of goals and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Down back, Rory Thompson has evolved into one of the better young defenders in the competition. Yet he was thrown a curve ball against the GWS Giants in Round 6 and responded well.
With Tom Nicholls a late withdrawal, Thompson had to play in the ruck and handled himself well.
And then of course there is the midfield. In an increasingly midfield-dominated league, the Suns have positioned themselves well to become a force.
It all starts with Ablett. Somehow in 2014 the Suns’ captain has increased his contested possessions, clearances, and tackles to become an even more intimidating player.
However it’s the supporting crew who have put their hands up to be dangerous in their own right.
Aside from Ablett, four more midfielders are averaging more than 20 disposals a game – Dion Prestia, David Swallow, Michael Rischitelli and Jaeger O’Meara. In addition to these five, the likes of Danny Stanley, Jarrod Harbrow and more indicate the midfield bats quite deep.
The Suns have never won a game at Etihad Stadium from six attempts – one of those was in 2012 when North ran out victors by 34 points.
However the situation of both teams is much different to what occurred two years ago. It’s shaping up as one of the best matches of the round.
