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.
Mister Football
Guest
Footy on Fox every night!
Redb
Roar Guru
How good was AFL 360 last night? King and Maclure provide a great insight compared to Robbo's guesses. :-)
Kick2Kick
Guest
Isnt the pre season pick from last year (Croad??) already playing full back? No need for Tarrent imo. You also have Harris a 150+ gamer who will be a handy foil for Bennell, Ablett etc.
Redb
Roar Guru
Don't agree. I think the NRl has done a similiar thing with the Melb Storm. They have thrown tens of millions into Melbourne since 1998, where rugby league had almost zero presence. The Gold Coast has already provided players to AFL clubs. NRL/Storm are yet to produce a single Vic after a decade. The timelines are different, AFL is further advanced that the NRL in its expansion, it to would be looking at major popualtion areas for expansion if it was in the same position.
Mister Football
Guest
You can relax. On 360 last night they were speculating that GC will struggle so much, the AFL might have to give them even more concessions in a few years just to be competitive.
MavMan
Guest
I find it plain greedy for the AFL to dole out concessions to these two new teams when it has not happened historically. Regions or states loyal to AFL are hard done by while areas that actively don't want a team, have cash and facilities thrown at them. If the NRL were looking at Tasmania or NT you could bet your money the AFL would have a team created before you could say up, up and over. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Redb
Roar Guru
It's interesting. So far the Suns have a few good players recruited and possibly Ablett, but they need a genuine core of 4-5 A Graders to really crack a premiership. So far the GC have barely put a foot wrong, they say they only want 8 uncontracted players and will develop their young list and draft where necessary. But a few like Tarrant could be useful for 2 years to help strengthen the team until thsoe young kids come along. We could see 8 uncontracted players plus quite a few more senior trades in the next month or so. Too early to know how the list will look in 3 years, let alone 5.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
It would be an absolute miracle if the Gold Coast won a premiership in the first five years.