1. Rising Suns
ON THE surface it's another three-win season for the Suns, but the final eight weeks showed enough to suggest there will be big improvements next year and even more significant ones in 2014. Gold Coast was 3-5 over the final eight rounds, knocked over finals contenders Richmond and Carlton, should have beaten the Brisbane Lions and stood up for three quarters against both Hawthorn and the Sydney Swans. Most of that was with an injury-depleted list, using players with well under 40 games of experience.
2. Yes, Gazza is still getting better
Last year we thought it wasn't possible and this year we thought the same, but somehow the little master keeps defying logic and keeps improving. He had a full pre-season this time and the results showed with a ridiculously good first month, averaging 40 disposals and two goals a match. Due to injuries he had less quality midfield help this year but still racked up eerily similar numbers to his Brownlow Medal year in 2009. Ablett is now 28 and still very much at the peak of his powers. As the young midfield develops, watch for him to spend more time forward.
3. Bluey's need to talk the talk
When McKenna goes away in the off-season and thinks about improving set-ups, structures and any other coaching buzzwords, perhaps the thing he needs to address most is his half-time chat. The red hair that gave McKenna his nickname was quickly turning grey with the Suns' second halves in 2012. They led eight times at the major break, hanging on for three wins. Even more damning was the fact they won just one second half all year, and that was against GWS. Although it's most likely immature bodies running out of puff, Bluey might just be taking a few lessons on how to rev up the troops after oranges.
4. Harley Bennell, Brownlow medallist
As outlandish a statement as it seems, the West Australian teenager gave us more than a glimpse into his limitless talent this year. The more you see of Bennell, the more you like McKenna's comparison to his former teammate, Norm Smith medallist and West Coast legend Peter Matera. Bennell is silky, always looks like he has another gear, and is already one of the best finishers on the run in the competition. Anyone who has 37 touches and three goals (against Fremantle) and 38 touches and four goals (Melbourne) is special. Bennell is a genuine emerging superstar who can turn a game single-handedly.
5. Blighty's mighty impact
He's a bit out there and a bit different, but Malcolm Blight's still got it. Blighty has been a Suns' board member since day one, but with the side battling without a win after 14 rounds, the two-time Crows premiership coach stepped in to look over Guy McKenna's shoulder over the final nine rounds. He was more of a guidance councillor than a headmaster, but his magic wand worked again. McKenna deserves the credit for the late-season swing, but it can't all be coincidence that the wins came at the same time as Blight, can it?
6. Special K bowls up a win
After solidifying his spot in the midfield in the first half of the season, Karmichael Hunt provided one of the AFL's season highlights with his after-the-siren match-winning kick against Richmond in Cairns in round 16. The rugby league convert barely had 30 games under his belt but was calm and unruffled in booting the winner. He has experience at the highest levels in other codes, but it was no mean feat - just ask 364-game Western Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson, who twice missed potential match-winners after the siren, how hard it is to stay cool in the spotlight.
7. The coast with the most
Although they were handed a raft of drafting concessions to get the club off the ground, the big fear was always that Gold Coast would struggle to retain its talent after the first year or two. Clubs would raid the good kids, the kids would want to go home - the Suns heard it all. But to their enormous credit and a mark of the fabric around the club, they've re-signed every young player they have targeted, with the exception of Josh Caddy, who is increasingly likely to pen a new contract. It speaks volumes for the club's infrastructure in its infancy.
8. He May be - no, he is - a forward
In one game against Hawthorn in round 21, May showed more than any key forward in the Suns' short history. Played in defence for most of his first 14 games, May was swung into attack against the Hawks and finished with 22 touches, 12 marks and three goals. He was robust, presented well and attacked the contest. With Sam Day to come back from injury, Tom Lynch regaining form late in the season and Charlie Dixon excelling as a second ruck, the Suns will have some nice headaches next year. May has now earned the right to have first crack at nailing down a key forward post when they run out in round one.
9. The hurt locker
From the moment Seb Tape had three teeth knocked out in the opening round against Adelaide, it was all downhill. Jarrod Harbrow fractured his elbow, Nathan Bock broke his leg, Michael Rischitelli battled hamstring and ankle problems, David Swallow carried a bad knee. The list went on and on. Gold Coast's injury woes, most of them from collision incidents, was as bad as any team's in the AFL. They used a staggering 43 players and finished the season with 20 on the injury list.
10. The second-year blues
Aside from Bennell's breakout campaign, most of the young Suns found things markedly more difficult a second time around. First-year sensations Zac Smith and Trent McKenzie were two notable examples of players who struggled to adjust to the extra attention, although McKenzie finished the season strongly. Others like Swallow and Brandon Matera worked through injuries to shine, while Dion Pestia also elevated his game before his hamstrings gave way. McKenna is adamant all these players will be better for the experience next year.
Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
