GOLD Coast's key player in 2018 is also the subject of Suns fans' biggest fear.
Rival clubs have made no secret of their desire to target prospective free agent Tom Lynch, with Collingwood leading the race for the talented forward.
Giving their take on their side's 2018 prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season fan survey, 36 per cent of Gold Coast fans rated Lynch their most important player this season.
Many fans cited a new contract for Lynch as the club's top priority, and news of his departure as the headline they dread.
With superstar Gary Ablett gone, young coach Stuart Dew must navigate one of the club's most challenging periods.
Metricon Stadium is out of action until thanks to the Commonwealth Games, forcing the Suns to play their opening 10 matches on the road.
However, fans were confident the club would rise up the ladder from last year's 17th, with most tipping a finish between 12th-16th.
Here are the pre-season survey results, plus a selection of Suns fans' responses.
What's the Suns' weakest spot on the park?
Our ability to defend. No problem transitioning from defence to attack but if we turn it over there's no two way run.
- Liam Ogilvie-Mitchell, Darwin NT
Two-way running. There's plenty of pace out of defence and through the middle, but when the intercept/turnover is on, the midfield just don't have the muscle and/or hustle to defend.
- Thom Roker, Brunswick East Vic
It'll be a great year if ...
... Tom Lynch re-signs and the younger brigade of players such as Fiorini, Ah Chee, Bowes, Brodie, Ainsworth and Scrimshaw all establish themselves as best 22 players. Improvement is all we want to see.
- Thomas Barker, Canberra ACT
... the club doctor gets bored.
- Mitchell McGuinness, Seymour Vic
What's your dream headline in 2018?
'Gold Coast gets a home final'
- Taryn Johnson, Ridgewood WA
'Lynch a Sun for life'
- Victor Allen, Brisbane Qld
What's the headline you secretly dread?
'Gold Coast goes winless as Lynch wants out'
- Anton Englisch, Bulleen Vic
'Suns injury curse hits again'
- John Robertson, Gold Coast Qld
'Wooden spoon looms'
- Shaun McGurgan, Ubud, Bali
Read more fans' season previews
• Adelaide: Bryce is nice, but backline the worry
• Brisbane: 50 goals for Eric and no spoon, please
• Collingwood: From 13th to a premiership?
• Essendon: Are the bolstered Bombers the complete Package?
• Fremantle: Forward line, forward line, forward line
• Geelong: Grand designs for Gaz's return
