Will 2024 be the year the Suns finally break into the finals frame?
New coach Damien Hardwick flagged that 80 per cent of the Gold Coast's first premiership side is already listed at the club, with some exciting draft additions pushing that percentage closer to 90.
The Suns were right in the finals mix during the second half of the season before falling short, with the addition of Hardwick and the continued development of their young core set to have September in the Queensland club's sights.
Gold Coast wasn't active in adding to their list through the trade and free agency space, instead placing a focus on attaining a quartet of Academy kids through the draft.
With a flurry of first-round picks - both new and old - on their list, the Suns are looking to soar into the top half of the competition under their new coach.
Here's how we see the Suns' best 23-man side taking shape in 2024...
BEST 23s: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG
3. Forwards
Spearhead pair Ben King and Jack Lukosius combined for almost 80 goals this year and look to only be getting better, with 2024 potentially seeing the Suns duo become one of the most lethal attacking partnerships in the game.
Veteran Levi Casboult could be the third tall option in the front third, however, rookie Jed Walter is already built for the elite level and could be deployed against Richmond in the Suns' opening game.
Malcolm Rosas put his case forward this year to be Izak Rankine's replacement while hard-nut Nick Holman and half-forward Ben Ainsworth provide pressure and scoreboard impact in the front half.
Bailey Humphrey will rotate through the forward line like he did this year, while David Swallow will be afforded the chance to rest in attack.
The Suns will be hoping to see new strides taken by Hewago Oea, Tom Berry and Jy Farrar across the course of the pre-season to add some selection pressure to their first-string group.
