Campbell Brown’s move from Hawthorn to the Gold Coast Suns was AFL’s worst kept secret. Although his recent inclusion is a not a major coup for the AFL’s newest franchise, it’s nonetheless a handy one considering the names they have recruited so far, and look likely to recruit in the future.
Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna and the Suns recruiting staff have done an admirable job building a list, albeit with generous concessions afforded to them by the AFL.
Starting with the backline, McKenna is building an elite back six which can match any of the current best AFL defences. In Nathan Bock they have an All-Australian centre-half back, and Nathan Krakouer is a talented rebounding defender with sublime foot skills.
Campbell Brown was a premiership defender with the Hawks who will add the bite they need in defence.
Queensland native and Western Bulldogs defender Jarrod Harbrow looks almost certain to move to the Gold Coast, and he will give them a lot of run out of defence, as well as giving them an option up forward.
Chris Tarrant has left the Dockers declaring he wants to move back to Victoria, however, his good mate Dean Solomon is an assistant at Gold Coast and there have been murmurs that the Suns are looking to make him a lucrative offer to skew his travel direction up north.
His inclusion as full back in the Gold Coast defence would make them stellar.
The Suns midfield has potential too. Brisbane Lions midfielder Michael Rischitelli is a best and fairest player who will be surrounded by promising youngsters such as David Swallow, and more than likely probable No. 1 pick, Harley Bennell.
Oh, I forgot to mention another player … umm … that guy from Geelong … yes, I’m sorry Cats fans, but Gary Ablett Junior will be there commanding the midfield.
They don’t have any notable ruckmen at the moment, but I dare say out-of-favour Pies ruckman Josh Fraser could be a cheap yet useful recruit with 200 games experience under his belt.
There’s not a lot to talk about up forward so far, although West Australian football royalty Brandon Matera has been spoken of highly. West Coast’s Quentin Lynch is currently exploring his options and he may be a good pick up for the Suns.
Karmichael Hunt could be a major factor in the forward line, even though he’s been bandied as a defender. Hunt’s potential success in his new sport will range from tragically woeful to genius marketing AND on-field success.
His stocky frame could prove difficult for opposition defenders to dislodge and if he gets his kicking skills in order, he could turn out to be more than just a marketing figure.
It’s unlikely the Suns will win the premiership next year, though looking at the list so far, it’s very possible that they will play in the finals next season and a flag may come sooner than most people think.
If they do win a flag in their early years, would it be fair to say the AFL went too far in their concessions?
A Gold Coast flag in the next three years will unfortunately cheapen the AFL premiership in areas which support the code so loyally.
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Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
There’s no disputing that Cam Guthrie will be important against Melbourne, given Patrick Dangerfield is set to miss due to injury.
Collingwood led by a point with minutes to go, Kyle Langford had the chance to be the hero with a set shot, however, he missed, and we saw the first draw of the season.
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
