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.

SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR ADELAIDE
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR BRISBANE
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR CARLTON
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR COLLINGWOOD
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR ESSENDON
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR FREMANTLE 
SEE ALSO: FIVE TRADE TARGETS FOR Geelong

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5. Bailey Smith

Said to be seen as a gettable asset in 2023, would a switch to the Suns be best for Bailey Smith?

With former Richmond mentor Damien Hardwick expected to land the Gold Coast job, the triple premiership coach could be the best man to help get the most out of Smith, who has seen his numbers take a hit in a new role on the outside of Luke Beveridge's preferred midfield ensemble.

The flashy Bulldogs star would become the next marketable figure for the Suns and could gain some benefit from moving away from the Melbourne 'fishbowl'.

A switch to the Suns would also have Smith complementing the likes of Rowell and Anderson nicely in midfield.

BAILEY SMITH
Midfielder
Bulldogs
2023 SEASON AVG
23.5
Disposals
3.5
Tackles
3.6
Clearances

The tricky situation that would present itself for the Suns with a trade for Smith would be the fact the Queensland club are needing to stockpile later draft picks this year to attain a trio of Academy kids in this year's draft.

Maybe a trade that would include their future first-round selection and a player on the outer could see a deal agreed to.

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