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.
5. Who has a breakout season?
Gold Coast are a club that has several players capable of breaking out in 2023.
Does Matt Rowell finally cement himself with the elite? Something expected before he was drafted.
People downplay Rowell because he hasn't dominated games as well as he did in his first three before injury. Last season he played a more defensive midfield role, allowing the likes of Touk Miller to rise and Noah Anderson to breakout.
If the 21-year-old no longer has to take the responsibility of protecting the area behind Jarrod Witts, he has all the tools to be another Miller.
As aforementioned, Rankine is gone, so Malcolm Rosas has all the potential to break out in his absence. While he doesn't win the ball as much as Rankine did, if he can match the score output, he's set.
Elijah Hollands has so much potential but an unlucky start to his career, having suffered an ACL injury in his draft year and the challenges of COVID, limited him. Last season he looked great on the wing, playing the final five games of the year, and should star sooner rather than later.
Dominating in the VFL was Sam Flanders, who after three seasons looks locked in the team after a strong pre-season. Some others who may break out are Joel Jeffrey and Alex Davies.
