Best 22
B: Mav Weller, Matthew Warnock, Tom Murphy
HB: Jarrod Harbrow, Rory Thompson, Greg Broughton
C: Jared Brennan, David Swallow, Michael Rischitelli
HF: Harley Bennell, Steven May, Jaeger O'Meara
F: Brandon Matera, Sam Day, Aaron Hall
Foll: Charlie Dixon, Gary Ablett, Karmichael Hunt
I/C: Luke Russell, Danny Stanley, Kyal Horsley
Sub: Dion Prestia
Injury list
It's slowly coming together for the Suns after a number of long-term injuries ruined the back half of last season. Nathan Bock is still recovering from his broken leg and Jesse Lonergan will miss the first month with a broken hand, but Trent McKenzie (knee), Tom Lynch (foot) and Seb Tape (knee) are all expected to play reserves in the first few weeks and push for senior spots shortly after.
The big questions
-Can the Suns get going in the first eight weeks? They play six teams that missed the finals last year – including St Kilda, Brisbane Lions, Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs at home – and simply must notch early wins.
-Will they become more competitive at the stoppages? When the Suns went one-on-one in 2011, they held their own in the clearance count, but reverting to a more structured, zone set-up last year, they were smashed. The young midfielders have to break even in the clinches.
-Can the forwards start taking some marks? They're young and we know they take time to develop, but for the team to progress, one or two of Day, May, Lynch or Dixon, must become regular scoreboard contributors.
Summer standout
Steven May finished last season well and has rolled on through the pre-season. He shed some weight, got fitter and has reaped the rewards. He looked good as a leading forward in the NAB Cup. Jared Brennan has also excelled after being dropped at the end of last year.
Fantasy cash cow
If he's not already, Jaeger O'Meara should be in your team. Just like David Swallow in his debut year, O'Meara has a year at a lower senior level (NEAFL) under his belt before entering the AFL at a bargain basement price. Baring injury he will play most games and be a solid contributor.
Sudden impact
Aside from O'Meara, the Suns can expect a big impact from former Fremantle defender Greg Broughton. At 26, Broughton adds experience and a touch of class to the Suns' back half and should help generate some run from defence. A good steadying head down back.
It's crunch time for…
... Sam Day. No-one expects miracles from the 20-year-old full forward, but it's time he showed some progression. Day was taken at No.3 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft and although injury has hampered his continuity, he risks being passed by the club's other young talls. Day is big, strong and athletic and his team needs more of a contest from the gifted forward.
Pivotal match
Round five against GWS. We all remember what happened when the Suns travelled to Canberra last year. Watching both clubs progress is fascinating and the Suns don't need to give any more fuel to critics believing they are behind the Giants' development by putting in another poor performance here.
The Gold Coast will have a good year if…
… it can move the ball quicker and give its young forwards a chance. The defence now looks solid and the midfield should naturally progress, but now they have to improve supply to the big blokes and learn to run out four quarters.
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish: 16th
