Summary
A big step forward for the Suns this season with eight wins outdoing their tally from the two previous seasons combined (six). As coach Guy McKenna said, they moved into the middleweight bracket of teams, and with a number of its young core now passing 50 senior games, can be expected to push for finals action next year.
What worked
The Suns put more emphasis on their forward press this season and the results spoke for themselves. The program of new fitness guru Stephen Schwerdt allowed them to play a more high-energy game for longer, and overall Gold Coast was far more difficult to score against. They conceded 96 points per game (down from 112 last season) to rank 12th in the competition defensively. They won a total of 21 quarters (out of 44) after half-time, showing they ran out games far better than during their first two seasons.
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What failed
The forward line. The Suns ranked 15th for points scored, in front of only St Kilda, GWS and Melbourne. Gary Ablett led the way with 28 goals. Simply, for the Suns to challenge for finals in 2014, they needs to find a forward capable of 45-plus goals. The reliance on Ablett across the ground needs to change. Sure, he's the best player in the game, but the little champ leads too many of the Suns' statistics – he is first for kicks, handballs, disposals, goals, inside 50s, goal assists, contested possessions, and is second in tackles.
Surprise packet
At the start of the season Tom Nicholls sat behind Zac Smith, Charlie Dixon and Daniel Gorringe in the club's pecking order for ruckmen. But when Smith suffered a season-ending ACL and Dixon had persistent ankle problems, Nicholls was given an opportunity and made the most of it. In eight games, the 21-year-old showed not only his first class tap work, but also a surprising ability around the ground. Despite a knee injury robbing him of the final month, Nicholls now looks a crucial cog in the Suns' set-up.
Disappointment
Aside from Ablett, and Campbell Brown when he was on the field - he missed nine games through suspension - the experienced Suns didn't offer much. In fairness Nathan Bock, Michael Rischitelli, Matthew Warnock and Karmichael Hunt had significant injuries hampering their seasons, but Jared Brennan and Greg Broughton were both dropped at different times. While it's a sign the young players are developing, the older heads need to give more next year.
MVP: Gary Ablett
Best rookie/first year player: Rising Star favourite Jaeger O'Meara was a clear standout in his first season in the AFL.
Rory Thompson was a raging success for the Suns' defence until a serious injury in round 16 ended his season. Picture: AFL Media
Best win: v Collingwood, Round 17.
Low point
The round 22 loss against St Kilda was far and away the Suns' worst performance. They struggled against finals-bound Port Adelaide and Fremantle earlier in the season, but even McKenna called the match against the Saints a "stinker". It was a small blip on the campaign though.
What needs to improve
There was signs of improvement in the forward half, but the key forwards need to start taking more marks and kicking more goals. Charlie Dixon bagged six against GWS, but aside from that the cupboard was pretty bare. Sam Day looked more confident and imposing as the season went on, Tom Lynch was hampered by injury and Steven May had his moments, but none of it translated to regular scoreboard activity. Ablett (28) and Aaron Hall (24) led the goalkicking, proving the big blokes need to contribute more in the air and on the scoreboard to help the Suns improve.
Who's done
Jacob Gillbee, Kyal Horsley, Liam Patrick, Mav Weller, Joel Wilkinson (all delisted).
What they need
The midfield is loaded with inside and outside players, the forward line has the pieces in place and just needs natural progression, the ruck stocks look good, but the Suns could do with one or two more defenders. One key tall to go alongsry Thompson would be great, while McKenna also highlighted his desire for a mature rebounding half-back.
Luke Darcy says
“"I've got them going up next year. Not 100 per cent sure whether they'll make the eight, but from the following year on pencil them in for about 10 years – they have got an enormous future."
