Weller hits top form to silence the critics

THIS WEEK’S BEST

LACHIE Weller is starting to show the form that saw Gold Coast pay a high price to secure him from Fremantle after another impressive outing on Saturday night.

The Suns handed the Dockers pick two in last year’s draft — which they used on emerging star Andrew Brayshaw — for Burnie boy Weller, a move which raised some questions following some indifferent early 2018 form.

But the talented 22-yearold appears settled into life back in Queensland after requesting a trade, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by coach Stuart Dew.

Gold Coast might be spluttering towards the end of another disappointing season, but Weller’s past month of form has been a silver lining.

Moved to half-back following an injury to Pearce Hanley and the ongoing concussion problems of fellow Tasmanian Kade Kolodjashnij, Weller has thrived in the role.

“Lachie Weller has gone back there in the last three or four weeks and been outstanding ... if we can get Pearce and Lachie back there, I think that’ll be a great tandem,” Dew said after Weller’s 21-disposal effort against Essendon.

Older brother Mav played his part in St Kilda’s thumping of Carlton on Friday night, gathering 15 disposals to go with seven tackles, while also hitting the scoreboard with 1.1 in his customary half-forward role.

Collingwood duo Brody Mihocek and Jeremy Howe were in Collingwood’s best handful of players in the Pies’ loss to West Coast.

The pair pulled down 19 marks between them at opposite ends of the ground and had a combined 39 touches, plus Mihocek chimed in with 2.3.

Lion Mitch Robinson made amends for missing playing his 150th on home soil last year through injury by kicking two first-quarter goals in Brisbane’s upset of Hawthorn in Launceston.

ALWAYS NEXT WEEK

SAINTS defender Jimmy Webster has again succumbed to injury, tweaking his groin after halftime before being mothballed in the last term.

Richmond ruckman Toby Nankervis was beaten in the ruck by GWS giant Dawson Simpson, but did kick a vital goal late in the last term to keep the Tigers in the contest after a big pack mark.

IN THE MIX

GOLD Coast Suns pair Jesse Lonergan and Kade Kolodjashnij both continue to put their hands up for senior recalls.

Lonergan had 31 touches and kicked a goal in the NEAFL win over GWS.

Kolodjashnij had 23 possessions as he builds touch following his lay-off.