Gold Coast veteran Nathan Bock has been guaranteed a place on the Suns’ list next year after making it through his AFL return unscathed in Saturday’s 17-point loss to West Coast.
Bock hadn’t played an AFL match since breaking his leg in round six last year, but the 30-year-old veteran received a late call-up when Andrew Boston was ruled out.
The former Crow was mobbed by teammates when he booted a goal in the first quarter, and he kicked one more for the match before being subbed out late in the third term.
After the 20.10 (130) to 17.11 (113) loss, Suns coach Guy McKenna revealed the club had decided to hand Bock a new deal for next year, and said the 2008 All-Australian defender would continue to play up forward until he regained full confidence in his body.
“We’re going to extend Bocky – there is no issue with that,” McKenna said.
“The pleasing thing for him and us is that we know he can run around with a metal rod in his leg and provide that sort of target.
West Coast forward Josh Kennedy’s five-goal haul took his season tally to 59, lifting him five goals clear of Jeremy Cameron and Jarryd Roughead, and six ahead of Jack Riewoldt in the race for the Coleman Medal.
Eagles ruckman Dean Cox finished with 44 hit-outs, 19 possessions and a goal in a standout performance, while former Pie Sharrod Wellingham and Josh Hill (three goals) were also crucial in the win.
Raging Brownlow Medal favourite Gary Ablett tallied 27 possessions and two goals, but his influence was somewhat limited by Eagles midfielder Scott Selwood.
Gold Coast trailed by 22 points at three-quarter time, but twice closed to within two points in a thrilling final term on the back of some magical goals from Alex Sexton and Aaron Hall.
However, costly mistakes at crucial times cruelled Gold Coast’s chances of victory, with Cox starring in the final term to help ice the win.
Gold Coast hardnut Campbell Brown was placed on report for his bump on Eagles defender Blayne Wilson, but the bump was well executed in the end and didn’t appear malicious.
West Coast’s win was just their third from 10 attempts at Patersons Stadium this season, and they are unlikely to make the finals given their 8-10 record and tough run home.
Essendon awaits them at Etihad Stadium next Sunday, but the Eagles could be bolstered by the returns of star midfielders Daniel Kerr and Matt Priddis, who was a late withdrawal due to a tight quad.
Worsfold praised the influence of Kennedy, who booted four goals in the first half before Suns defender Steven May was switched to him.
“He’s been consistent all year,” Worsfold said.
“He’s a wonderful leader around our footy club both on and off the field. He does a great job.”
