Gold Coast Suns key forward Mabior Chol appears an available asset this off-season after receiving limited senior opportunity on the Sunshine Coast in 2023.
With former Richmond mentor Damien Hardwick taking the reins as the Suns' new head man, Chol could well be on his way out, with a pair of clubs -- the Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions -- reportedly having shown interest in the left-footer.
While the Crows and Lions have been touted as potential landing spots, they're not the only clubs that could benefit from his possible inclusion.
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Mostly plying his trade in the VFL this year, Chol was a standout for the Suns' reserves, booting 36 goals in 15 games, including an impressive five goals in Gold Coast's preliminary final victory against Box Hill to progress to this weekend's Grand Final.
In his first season with the Suns last year, the ex-Tiger kicked 44 goals in 22 games. Despite that two-goal-per-game campaign, the 26-year-old managed a mere eight senior outings in 2023, having been demoted to the VFL level for the majority of the season.
Chol, stuck behind ex-Blues veteran Levi Casboult and returning staple Ben King, was evidently not a crucial piece in Stuart Dew's plans early in the season. His absence at the senior level was only exemplified by the interim coach Steven King, who, following Dew's dismissal, selected him just twice to conclude the home-and-away season.
With former acquaintance Hardwick now in the fold on the Gold Coast, Chol's playing future at the Suns becomes even murkier, as, at Punt Road, Chol was never a best-22 regular.
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With key-position forwards always presenting as in-demand commodities, could Chol be on the move to bigger and better things in 2024? Here are five clubs that could use his services.
5. West Coast Eagles
The Eagles, similar to the Roos, need all the help they can get as it pertains to talent acquisition.
West Coast struggled tremendously in 2023, delivering one of the worst seasons ever seen in the history of the AFL. Repeatedly defeated by over 100 points and finishing with a record of 3-20, any player with promise shapes to help Adam Simpson's side.
Retiring veterans Luke Shuey, Nic Naitanui, and Shannon Hurn open the doors of opportunity to the club's younger players.
One of the only bright spots for the Eagles in 2023 was key-position pillar Oscar Allen, who also shapes as West Coast's potential next captain. The 24-year-old pledged his future at Lathlain, recently inking a deal to remain an Eagles until at least the end of 2025.
However, aside from Allen and veteran Jack Darling, the Eagles' tall forward options are modest, putting it lightly.
By potentially adding Chol's presence in the forward line, the Sun, alongside Allen, could be a decent pairing throughout their possible tenure.
While Chol hails from Acacia Ridge in Brisbane, and Lathlain is a considerable move away from home, a shift into Eagles colours would likely see him receive consistent senior opportunities, something he has lacked during his time on the Sunshine Coast.
If the Suns, or more specifically 'Dimma', don't value the big man, the Eagles probably should. The chance to be a genuine star out west must have its appeal, along with the lessened pressure of playing at a rebuilding club.
