With three rounds to go in this year’s home and away season, the Gold Coast Suns sit in an all too familiar spot at the bottom of the ladder. Despite a positive start to the season, which saw them claim wins over the Dockers, Dogs and Blues, the Suns have failed to register a win since Round 4.
With the club now in its ninth season, and having failed to make a single finals appearance, much has been attempted to assist the Suns out of the footballing abyss. Despite countless first-round draft picks, a brand-new stadium, and the prowess of one of the greatest players of all-time in Gary Ablett Jnr, the Suns have yet to spark into any sort of successful action.
Looking ahead to next season, here are five players who could give the Suns some much-needed shine.
Having fallen out of favour at Adelaide following a drastic dip in form this season, Gibbs found himself lurking in the Crows’ reserves team for the majority of this season. The former number one pick has ultimately struggled since moving back to his home state from the Blues at the conclusion of the 2017 season, and a move to the Gold Coast may allow Gibbs to reinvigorate his career at the highest level. With 259 senior games under his belt, Gibbs would provide the Suns' midfield with necessary experience and leadership.
In a similar fashion to Gibbs, Jenkins has been in-and-out of the Crows’ side all season. The tall forward, who led Adelaide’s goalkicking last season, has struggled to find form this season and has since been linked to a move back home to Victoria. Since the departure of both former club captain Tom Lynch and Port Adelaide’s Charlie Dixon, the Suns have struggled to find a true, key forward. Bursts of form from Alex Sexton, and in recent weeks, Rising Star nominee Ben King, have helped the Suns forward line gather some momentum, however, Jenkins would provide the Suns with a ready-made key forward who they can rely on every week.
Before this season very few pundits and fans would have tipped that Jarryd Roughead may not finish his career in the brown and gold. The former Hawthorn captain has spent the majority of the year in the VFL for the Hawks’ affiliate, Box Hill; and while many tip that Roughead may call time on his decorated career come September, there are rumours that Roughead’s time in the AFL is not over yet. Spotted at Moorabbin last week, the Saints are emerging as the Roughead’s most likely landing spot if he does decide to play on in 2020, but the Suns should not rule him out as an option. An experienced, four-time premiership player, Roughead would bring an invaluable amount of class and expertise to the Suns’ young side; and could finish his career playing under his 2008 premiership teammate, Stuart Dew.
Linked to the Suns during last year’s trade period, Keays has struggled to break into an in-form Lions midfield this season. At 22 years old, and with 28 AFL games already under his belt, Keays presents as an AFL ready, home-grown talent for the Suns who, like the Lions, have at times struggled to maintain talent from out-of-state. With his best footy in front of him, a move down the M1 may help Keays realise his potential. The move would also provide Stuart Dew with a hard-working midfielder, who possesses the ability to play both on the inside and outside, helping to anchor the Suns’ young midfield.
Having battled quad problems for the past two seasons, Bradley Hill has struggled to fit into a Fremantle side he was once considered a crucial player for. Off contract at the end of this season, the Suns have been linked to Hill heavily throughout this season, with Hill’s brother Brad heavily linked with a move away from the Dockers as well. The former number three draft pick would add pace and experience to the Suns’ midfield; with a potential deal likely to provide Hill with some long-term security.