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For the Suns, it is all about continuing their improvement in 2013, as Gold Coast look to better their tally of three wins from last year with the aid of natural progression.
Champion midfielder Gary Ablett is again the key for the Suns as everything going forward centres around him, but it will be vital to have some competent help around.
That should come in the form of David Swallow, Harley Bennell, Danny Stanley, Brandon Matera and Greg Broughton, who could play a more advanced role after being picked up from Fremantle as a defender.
The expected return of veteran Nathan Bock could also prove to be paramount as he can play at either end of the ground, while Michael Rischitelli’s presence will be required to provide hardness around the contest in midfield.
There will be immediate expectations on draftee Jager O’Meara, who has enormous raps, but as we have come to learn over the past few years, youngsters surrounded by inexperienced players need to be nurtured a bit more than those who are drafted into a normal senior environment.
Breaking free of the GWS Giants and pushing toward the likes of Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide will be a major goal for Guy McKenna and his team, but I don’t see a great deal occurring for the Suns in the wins column.
Some big losses will be expected, as will some upset wins, with progress likely to be the buzz-word around Metricon Stadium this year as the club looks to evolve after two campaigns at the top level.
McKenna has a host of talented youngsters under him including Sam Day, Steven May, Kyal Horsley, Rory Thompson and Dion Prestia, with expected debutants O’Meara, Jesse Lonergan and Henry Schade set to follow the blueprint.
A handful of wins is not unachievable, especially with the Richmond fixture set to be played in Cairns again, but nothing more than that as the Suns simply look to outlast the Giants in 2013.
Predicted finish
17th
Key players
Gary Ablett – The AFL’s most prolific ball-winner. Produces stellar performances each week.
David Swallow – Highly-rated and ready to become a key, consistent midfielder.
Harley Bennell – Dynamic midfielder who averaged just under 24 possessions last year. Can seriously play.
Break-out potential
Sam Day – Key position player who has taken a couple of years to develop but is now ready to unleash.
Steven May – Versatile and athletic, the 17-gamer could show his form from late last season.
Rory Thompson – Tipped by Campbell Brown to become a key contributor in 2013.
Promising youngsters
Jaeger O’Meara – Traded from GWS. Ready to take competition by storm. Big show for NAB Rising Star.
Jesse Lonergan – Tough inside midfielder tipped to star immediately.
Key inclusions
Greg Broughton – Small defender from Fremantle expected to be deployed as a running midfielder.
Tom Murphy – Defender from Hawthorn who will provide leadership and experience.
Notable departures
Josh Caddy – Geelong
Josh Fraser – retired
Tom Hickey – St Kilda
Worth a punt
Jaeger O’Meara to win Rising Star: $7
Any other player for Gold Coast leading goalkicker: $8
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