The general feeling around the Suns is that they're on the precipice of something truly great, with a host of their major stars putting pen-to-paper on new deals.
Even coach Stuart Dew got in on the action, committing his immediate future to the side and doubling down on the culture he is building up on the Gold Coast.
However, once again the Suns have come up short in 2022, missing out on finals despite this being the campaign that so many predicted them to finally take the necessary steps to become a finals side.
Spirited wins against Carlton, Richmond, Fremantle and Sydney showed what they are capable of, however disappointing performances against the likes of Essendon, GWS, Brisbane and Hawthorn showed the side still has a ways to go.
One of the main sore points that will likely develop over the summer is the saga with out-of-contract star Izak Rankineย with the 22-year-old looking like he will go back home to Adelaide, specifically the Crows, on a bumper deal.ย
With this in mind, an enigmatic attacking midfielder who could do the business both inside- 50 and sometimes out of the middle is a mould Dew might want to fill over the off-season.
Conversely, injuries to Lachie Weller and Wil Powell and the semi-transition of Jack Lukosius to the forward-line mean that the side's half-back line is in need of some reinforcement with the trade period being the likely window to address this.
Therefore, here are five potential players that the Suns' recruitment team could target over the off-season to propel them up the ladder in 2023.
1. Dyson Heppellย
Out of all the moves on this list that have potential to transpire, the most likely would beย Bombers skipper Dyson Heppell to the Sunshine State.
The veteran has spent 12 years at The Hangar and has chalked up 212 appearances, however, is off-contract at season's end and could be swayed into a move away if reports are to be believed.
SEN's Sam Edmund has claimed that the 30-year-old is leaning more towards staying at Tullamarine, however a four-year deal has been tabled by Stuart Dew's side should he be wanting to take it.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
The seniority would be a massive addition for the Suns, especially considering defence is an area that Stuart Dew is still trying to sure up.
Heppell would be able to slot in alongside the likes of Jack Lukosius, Wil Powell and Connor Budarick and provide an assuring presence for the young Suns side as they push for a maiden finals appearance.
