The season so far
It's been a rollercoaster through the first 10 rounds for the Suns. They've been embarrassed by GWS and Port Adelaide, thumped Hawthorn and Geelong, and in between times played a mix of good and bad footy to give them a 4-6 record. With a fit Gary Ablett back to somewhere near his best, and David Swallow returning after 18 months out with knee problems, the midfield has more starch than the past two injury-ravaged seasons. The off-season recruits have performed strongly, but the Suns need a dramatic improvement in consistency if they're to make finals for the first time in club history.
Quarters won: 17
Players used: 32
Yet to play: Jarrad Grant, Sam Day, Mitch Hallahan, Dan Currie, Trent McKenzie, Tom Nicholls, Mackenzie Willis, Michael Rischitelli, Jack Scrimshaw, Ryan Davis, Max Spencer, Darcy Macpherson, Cameron Loersch.
Stats leaders
Disposals: Gary Ablett (289)
Marks: Kade Kolodjashnij (72)
Goals: Tom Lynch (25)
Tackles: Gary Ablett (47)
Metres gained: Aaron Hall (535m)
Uncontested possessions: (271.7) Gold Coast loves to maintain the ball and has the most uncontested possessions in the AFL. However, it translates to just the eighth most inside-50s.
Best win
Round three against Hawthorn. After a flogging the previous week from GWS and facing a desperate Hawks outfit, the Suns got their season on track with an 86-point hammering at Metricon Stadium.
One that got away
Round one against the Brisbane Lions. This loss might bite the Suns later in the year after they conceded the game's first seven goals, and despite a valiant comeback, fell two points short.
Best and fairest leader: Gary Ablett
Surprise packet: Jack Leslie
Who's struggling: Tom Nicholls, Peter Wright, Alex Sexton
Jack Leslie has stood up for the Suns in defence this year. Picture: AFL Photos
Missing in action
Sam Day. The versatile key position player dislocated his hip in the first pre-season match and will miss the entire season. The flexibility he offers both forward and back has been sorely missed.
The concern
Inconsistency is a huge worry, but the most alarming thing is Gold Coast's lack of fight once things go against them. They've totally capitulated twice and also conceded nine-straight goals against Melbourne when seemingly in a match-winning position. Not having co-captain Steven May re-contracted yet and the uncertainty surrounding Ablett's future are also headaches for the club.
Pass mark
They have to show more resilience and be a legitimate top-eight contender with a month remaining in the season. Gold Coast has had injuries this year, but has generally had close to its best team on the park and must demonstrate it's made progress.
The coach
Out of contract at season's end, Rodney Eade has been under pressure since the opening fortnight following losses to the Lions and Giants. The players seem unified and at its best, Eade's high-possession, free-flowing gameplan is working, but he needs results to earn another deal.
How the best 22 has changed
B: Kade Kolodjashnij, Steven May, Jesse Joyce
HB: Jarrod Harbrow, Jack Leslie, Adam Saad
C: Alex Sexton, David Swallow, Pearce Hanley
HF: Michael Barlow, Tom Lynch, Jack Martin
F: Brandon Matera, Peter Wright, Callum Ah Chee
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Gary Ablett, Aaron Hall
I/C: Jarryd Lyons, Touk Miller, Matt Rosa, Sean Lemmens
In from pre-season best 22: Jack Leslie, Jarrod Harbrow, Brandon Matera
Out from pre-season best 22: Rory Thompson, Jack Bowes, Ben Ainsworth
• Who did we tip for your club's best 22 in round one?
Suns fans: what's your mid-season verdict?
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Want more?
• State of Origin: Who'd play, who'd miss out?
