Gold Coast Suns

AFL trade news: Suns outline ideal off-season targets

The Queensland club have identified an area to bolster ahead of next year.

Published by
Anthony Talliopoulos

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew has declared that the Suns will be looking to bolster their defensive stocks at the end of the season.

With defenders Lachie Weller and Connor Budarick out for extended periods of time going into 2023, a good ball-user off half-back would be a perfect fit.

Not only would a quality half-back provide stability behind the ball, but it would also allow the Suns to create more opportunities away from stoppages.

Having significantly improved their key forward stocks over the last off-season where they brought in former Tiger Mabior Chol and ex-Blue Levi Casboult, the main weakness for the Suns appears to be their backline.

With Dew's onballers becoming increasingly more experienced, Gold Coast looks set to become the home of one of the premier midfield sides in the competition in the coming years.

This is particularly the case with youngsters Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson who are both starting to really click into gear.

Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Dew said the Queensland club will be looking to bolster their rearguard.

“Down back we’re going to be a little bit skinny in the first half of next year obviously with Lachie Weller out, Connor Budarick out," he said.

“That’s probably something we need to look at.

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - MAY 28: Lachie Weller of the Suns kicks the ball during the 2022 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Hawthorn Hawks at TIO Stadium on May 28, 2022 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Felicity Elliott/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“Obviously ‘Kingy’ (Ben King) comes back in, so I feel like we’ve bolstered our tall stocks and we’ve got some depth through the midfield.

“Probably more your half-back types, particularly guys who can use the ball well."

Dew's side meet with the Bombers on Sunday in a season-defining must-win clash, with the Suns travelling to Marvel Stadium for the 4:40pm (AEST) encounter.

The Suns are aiming to make the finals for the first time this season, currently sitting a game and percentage outside the eight.

Published by
Anthony Talliopoulos