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.
4. Matt Cottrell
If a certain someone wasn't further down this list, Matt Cottrell would have been the riskiest target on the list.
The 22-year-old hasn't set the world alight by any stretch of the imagination throughout his 36 games at Carlton, even in season 2022 where he has managed to snare an extended stint in Michael Voss' best-22.
However, time is on the youngster's side in terms of improvement, and, should he move to a new side due to his unrestricted free agent status, the Suns could definitely be a potential candidate for him
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He has shown glimpses of what he is capable of and can be a goal threat when required, however his output will definitely need to be raised should he wish to take himself to the next level.
A move up north out of the crucible that is Melbourne may help him ignite his career, especially if he joins up with the powderkeg of potential that is this Gold Coast side.
5. Jordan De Goey
The final player on this list is a name who has become the most scrutinised player in the league over the course of the past few seasons.
Jordan De Goey's off-field behaviour has been heavily documented, however, the rumour mill is spinning over where he will ply his trade beyond this year and whether clubs are willing to take on such an enigmatic figure.
The talent of the man is unquestionable - when he is on, he is up there with the most influential players across the entire competition. Despite this, clubs are wary that his wages would be massive and that off-field issues could very well turn things sour at a moment's notice.
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At 26 years of age, the Suns would be getting a huge name on their list that would give them a certified gamechanger - someone who would fill the potential void left by Izak Rankine.
An incentive-based contract could be the wisest course of action should the Suns wish to pursue him, however coach Dew would need to decide whether rolling the dice on De Goey is worth what he could potentially bring to his best 22.
