Despite a formidable home record, Gold Coast's struggles outside Queensland ultimately voided a maiden finals berth for the expansion club.
With just an 11-12 record for the season the Suns settled for a measly 13th-placed finish, despite expectations that new coach Damien Hardwick could add to his esteemed resume with a finals appearance after his first season at the helm.
Yet their underwhelming 2024 didn't prevent players from requesting to join the club, with Daniel Rioli, John Noble and Elliott Himmelberg all joining the Suns via the trade and free agency period, adding depth across the half-back and forward line.
Himmelberg will be eyeing a spot as a key forward after the departure of 2018 Pick 2 Jack Lukosius, while Rioli and Noble come in for the traded Rory Atkins and retiring Brandon Ellis.
Top 10 pick Leo Lombard shapes as an early-season debutant following strong years in the Gold Coast Academy, as well as eye-catching performances with the Suns at VFL level.
Ahead of next season, we've assessed Gold Coast's 2025 squad and selected a best 23-man side, breaking down their depth charts on all three lines of the field.
Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, except for those expected to miss most or all of the season through injury or suspension.
After signing a monster deal Mac Andrew will be at the forefront of defence for the Suns in 2025.
The 21-year-old had a breakout year in 2024 and has the potential to become the greatest talent in the side with his raw athleticism and X-factor.
2024 best and fairest Sam Collins joins Andrew as another colossal key backman, while youngster Bodhi Uwland is primed to excel in his third season.
Daniel Rioli and John Noble are likely to be shoo-ins across the halfback flank with Sam Flanders, who could also earn a starting spot in the midfield. Charlie Ballard is another key defender who could be positioned as the deterrent at halfback.
Lachie Weller, Alex Sexton and Wil Powell are all viable options too, while Joel Jeffrey, Connor Budarick and Sean Lemmens are extra depth when needed.
One of the Suns' strongest areas in 2024 was their contested possessions, which is unsurprising given the talent that headlines the midfield. Matt Rowell is a contested-ball-winning and tackling machine, as is skipper Touk Miller. Noah Anderson is a ball magnet and was a top-three player for inside 50s per game in 2024.
Flanders could also be thrown into the mix as he excelled in the centre when given the opportunity, averaging a career-high 30.9 disposals last season.
Brayden Fiorini, Will Graham and Sam Clohesy are potential options on the wings, while draftee Lombard could also spend time on the wing and in the centre square.
Jarrod Witts seems likely to hold his spot as the number one ruck for another year, although Ned Moyle is patiently biding his time waiting for a chance to grab the role with both hands.
With high-end talent littered throughout the midfield, a spot at the opening bounce is a tough position to earn at Gold Coast.
Bailey Humphrey is poised for a breakout campaign after an inconsistent 2024, while Jed Walter will also be aiming to hone his forward craft as he develops into a key target inside 50 for the long-term future.
Ben Long is a simple choice after kicking the Suns' second-most goals last year, behind Coleman Medal threat Ben King. Ben Ainsworth and Jake Rogers are other smalls that can hit the scoreboard too.
Malcolm Rosas Jnr and Lloyd Johnston are additional depth options, while David Swallow could play a similar role to Luke Parker and Jaeger O'Meara as a midfielder-turned-forward veteran.
Nick Holman too could be in the selection mix after playing 20 games in 2024, as could Lombard. Add in Himmelberg as well as touted 'unicorn' Ethan Read who will both be pushing for an immediate call-up, tussling for position with Walter and King in the key forward pairing. Even Andrew can be swung forward at times, as seen with his after-the-siren winner against Essendon last year, but it's likely he'll again spend most of his time in defence in 2025.
FB: Mac Andrew, Sam Collins, Bodhi Uwland
HB: Daniel Rioli, Charlie Ballard, Sam Flanders
C: Will Graham, Noah Anderson, Sam Clohesy
HF: Bailey Humphrey, Jed Walter, Leo Lombard
FF: Ben Long, Ben King, Ben Ainsworth
FO: Jarrod Witts, Matt Rowell, Touk Miller
I/C: Ned Moyle, Nick Holman, John Noble, Wil Powell
SUB: David Swallow
Others to consider: Alex Sexton, Lachie Weller, Brayden Fiorini, Elliott Himmelberg, Jake Rogers