What will 2023 look like for the Gold Coast Suns?
Having yet to play finals, heading into their 13th season, perhaps they will finally do so in 2023.
After all, equalling your highest ladder position and win tally should only see improvement from then on.
With coach Stuart Dew receiving a two-year contract extension, the faith in him is there, so the club will be hoping they're rewarded for said faith.
So with the Suns looking to make finals for the first time, we cast our own eye across them and ask five burning questions ahead of their 2023 campaign.
3. How big of a hole does Izak Rankine leave?
Rankine is a notable departure, there's no denying it, the flashy small forward was sure to be a pillar of the team Stuart Dew is currently building.
But he's gone, and that leaves a hole. But how significant is it and does it impact the team severely?
While Rankine was receiving the hype, given he's a human highlight reel, one small forward flew under the radar by some.
That player was Ben Ainsworth.
Many look at the fancy stuff when determining a good small forward but Ainsworth excelled in the basics.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Tackles
He was one of four players to average one goal and one goal assist per game in 2022, the other three were his departed teammate Rankine, Tom Papley and Tom Hawkins.
For goal assists, the 25-year-old ranked second in the competition, behind only Christian Petracca.
He also kicked 25 goals and could now rank as one of the premier small forwards in the league.
Malcolm Rosas Jr is expected to step up with Rankine now gone, and could possibly be his direct replacement, and with Joel Jeffrey, Jack Lukosius and Nick Holman there, the forward line is looking good.
