Since their inception, the Gold Coast Suns have struggled to assemble a squad that can challenge for finals. While not entirely their fault - free agency certainly hasn't helped - it's becoming harder and harder to ignore the raft of first-round draft picks they have had for little return.
That's not to say they aren't on the right track. Recent seasons have seen a minor change in fortunes, with the club beginning to retain most of its top-end talent, as well as recruiting cleverly to fill gaps in experience and quality.
Players such as Brandon Ellis and Mabior Chol have been targeted with handy results, while others like Levi Casboult and Lachie Weller have played their roles perfectly while aiding their developing youngsters to find their feet at AFL level.
Still, the scrutiny on Stuart Dew and his charges to push for a spot in the finals will be fiercer than ever in 2023, given they are yet to feature in September at all throughout their short history.
Season 2022 saw improvement for the Suns, winning 10 games and showing signs of an identity. Encouragingly for them, their final percentage of 102.8 is reflective of a club that is heading in the right direction.
While they didn't play finals, they did manage to beat finalists Sydney, Fremantle and Richmond during season 2022, a clear sign that they are not to be taken lightly. All of that was managed without star forward Ben King, who returns in 2023 from a knee reconstruction and will no doubt be looking to enhance his already burgeoning reputation.
The Suns cannot afford another season without a finals push. The time for relevance has come after years of life support from the AFL and the club knows this, so too does the playing group. Led by the superb Touk Miller, this fierce group will demand respect and if it is not given, they are starting to give the impression they will simply take it.
With all of that said, they are still short in certain areas and were they afforded the opportunity to add to their stocks, here are some options we feel could help them go to the next level if they had the power to 'steal' one player from a rival.
2. Tom Stewart
As arguably the best defender in the competition, it would be hardly surprising to find Tom Stewart on the Gold Coast wish list. His intercept and aerial ability are close to unmatched, while his toughness, reliability and experience would be a huge addition to a Suns backline short on quality.
While Sam Collins is a very good key defender and Charlie Ballard is a more than handy intercept defender, respectfully, neither have the same level of ability as Stewart, who now also boasts premiership experience.
In season 2022, Stewart averaged 7.3 marks and 6.2 rebound 5os per game, while he also ranked second for intercepts per game, tenth for marks per game and tenth for rebound 50s per game competition-wide. Those kind of stats become even more appealing when you consider that the Suns as a whole ranked 12th for rebound 50s per game.
As a classy and experienced intercept defender who uses the ball well, Stewart would walk straight into the Suns' defence and instantly make them much harder to score against. His leadership and calm presence would be an added bonus for a defence that is crying out for stability. Tom Stewart at the Gold Coast Suns would be an instant game-changer, the Suns should be so lucky.
