Five trade targets for every AFL club: Gold Coast Suns

A star Bulldog, two contracted backmen and a fringe Cat are among the Suns’ potential trade options.

STAFF WRITER | July 25, 2023 - 12:05pm

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Since joining the competition in 2011, Gold Coast are yet to find the right squad that can take them into September.

The Suns have battled throughout a controversial year for the club which has seen the exit of long-serving coach Stuart Dew. Dew developed a number of promising players during his time as head coach but failed to cover up some evident gaps in their starting 22.

Are there some players for Gold Coast that could finally end their post-season drought?

In the eighth part of our trade target series, we take a look at potential players that could make the trip to the Sunshine State this off-season.

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2. Adam Tomlinson

Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson is reportedly weighing up his future at Melbourne once more at the conclusion of this season.

Harrison Petty won the selection battle in 2023 ahead of Tomlinson when both players are healthy and available, making it difficult for Tomlinson to establish a consistent berth in the starting 22.

The 29-year-old former Giant has only participated in six senior games in 2023 and was interested in being traded last year before deciding to see out another year of his contract with the Dees, where he still has 18 months remaining on his deal.

A key defender, Tomlinson is a trade target who would be able to complement the likes of Sam Collins and Charlie Ballard in defence and be used as a third tall. He has a strong presence in the VFL, often ranking as one of the best players on the ground, and was also an integral part of the Casey Demons team which won the 2022 VFL Premiership.

When he has played this season, Tomlinson has averaged 15.2 disposals, 1.6 tackles and one intercept mark. Tomlinson showed what he can do when he was playing his best footy across the 2017-2019 seasons at GWS.

After 11 seasons in the AFL, could he make the trip up north to get more playing time?

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