With a number of senior players missing from the midfield there was a heavy reliance on the experienced players who remained in the engine room.

It was no surprise that Jack Redden and Andrew Gaff led the charge, with Gaff spending more time in the middle of the action, rather than his customary wing role.

Both Redden and Gaff have been in the position where they have carried an extra load and they have never let the club down.

In the end, Redden probably just edged out Gaff for best afield honours with a tireless performance that netted him 28 disposals, with an even split between kicks and handballs, as well as seven marks.

He had a delayed start to pre-season with a shoulder injury and was available for the season-opener because of his meticulous approach to his rehabilitation.

Redden is one of the unobtrusive stars of this team and performs his role without receiving due kudos, but he was outstanding against the Suns young guns and did all he could to get the Eagles over the line.