THE SIGHT of top-10 draft pick Ben King announcing himself as a future star of the competition was almost enough to make Stuart Dew forget about his team's heartbreaking loss to Essendon. 

Almost. 

In just his 10th AFL game King kicked four goals against the Bombers in a display that warmed the heart of not only coach Dew, but any staff member or supporter of the Suns.

The No.6 pick from last year's NAB AFL Draft, King kicked three final-quarter goals as Essendon – including seasoned Cale Hooker - struggled to cope with his 202cm frame and attack on the ball. 

"If Ben King doesn't get nominated (for the NAB Rising Star), they just mustn't be watching all the games," Dew said.

"He was on an All Australian defender at times. He's kicked four. 

"He's been regularly getting two or three or four shots at goal. So surely, surely tonight (he gets nominated)." 

WATCH The last two minutes

King, who recently turned 19, has looked dangerous in other matches, kicking two goals apiece against North Melbourne and St Kilda, without getting the ultimate reward. 

Dew said the Victorian had been "best on the training track" since the bye.

DONS SCRAPE PAST SUNS Full match coverage and stats

"For it to transfer is great confidence for 'Kingy' and has a great impact on the club," Dew said. 

Aside from King, Peter Wright (two goals) and reborn, re-signed Sam Day (three goals) formed the nucleus of a three-tall forward line that helped the home team to 96 points – its highest score of the season. 

Unfortunately for the Suns though, they lost in the final minute to make it 14 straight defeats. 

WATCH Stuart Dew's full post-match media conference

"It's a heartbreaker," Dew said. 

"You've got to be in it for that to happen. We sat here two weeks ago talking about not allowing those two games to define us and the first two weeks response from that have been pleasing.

"Last week (against Carlton) our execution was right off but the effort was through the roof, and then again tonight. 

"We want to break through for a win, no doubt, we were that close tonight against a team entrenched in the top eight. 

"We have to take belief in that."