One win – have the Suns turned the corner?
If effort is the gauge, there's a chance Gold Coast has ever-so-slightly turned its season around. Without its three best midfielders – Gary Ablett, David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara – this was a performance done by committee. The Suns dominated the contested possessions (159-140) and tackles (92-62). From the hard work the excitement came, with Adam Saad's electric dashes off half-back and Jack Martin and Touk Miller absolute terriers in the forward 50 setting the standard. Debutant Josh Glenn (21 disposals) was polished and another highlight. Rodney Eade now has a baseline he can demand every week, which will be tested straight up against Adelaide at Metricon Stadium next Saturday. 

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Rocky rocked again
For the second time in five weeks, Lions skipper Tom Rockliff left the field in a bad way. Just one week after returning from broken ribs and a punctured lung suffered in the opening round, Rockliff copped a heavy hit from Suns defender Steven May in the first quarter and did not return. While the point of impact was hard to determine, Rockliff was out cold before being taken off on a stretcher. He failed the concussion test and reported having a sore jaw. He will have scans during the week. It looked a fair hit with no malice, but May will be a little nervous ahead of the Match Review Panel's findings. 

Charlie's big night wins the Ashcroft Medal
With the teams virtually level in disposals (394-384 in Suns favour) and dead even in inside 50s (53-all), the game needed a big forward to take over and Charlie Dixon was the man, kicking an equal career-high six goals. The hulking spearhead stands 200cm and 105kg and had a huge advantage over direct opponent Darcy Gardiner (191cm, 85kg) and took full advantage. He had 19 disposals (15 contested) and seven marks to win the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for best afield. 

Harley's rocket gets the desired result
After a patchy first month to his season, Harley Bennell was tapped on the shoulder by the Suns coaching staff during the week and told to lift his game. The gifted West Australian did so in emphatic fashion. He had 20 disposals in the pivotal first half and used his supreme skills to separate the teams. One deft left-footed kick back across his body to hit Dixon in the second quarter was a highlight. He finished with 31 touches and two goals. Everyone knows Bennell can tear a game apart - now he has to show he can do it more than once in a while. 

Where to for the Lions?
It looks a long way back from 0-5 for the Lions, but the good news is they face fellow strugglers Carlton next week. They tried much harder against the Suns and were definitely improved on the previous week's showing against West Coast, but again there was little polish. Injuries to Rockliff and Brent Staker (hamstring) furthered soured the night. It's a crippling injury toll and a scenario that is eerily similar to 2014 for coach Justin Leppitsch.