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.
3. Liam Ryan
Since the Suns lost Izak Rankine to the Crows over the off-season, they have seen a void open up for a small forward. Enter Liam Ryan.
There are already options waiting in the wings to take advantage of Rankine's departure, namely Malcolm Rosas, yet some experience in this department would be a boon.
Related: If every AFL club could steal one player: GWS Giants
Aside from Rosas, Ben Ainsworth had a fantastic 2022 season, while Alex Sexton appears another promising talent under Dew. There is certainly room for an experienced small forward with quality in this Suns forward set-up to help ease the burden on Ainsworth and guide Rosas.
Liam Ryan has not been at his best the past two seasons, with injuries hampering him from showcasing his brilliance consistently. Yet it's indisputable that the premiership Eagle possesses copious amounts of x-factor and is a class above most others when it comes to small forward craft.
Throughout his career to date, Ryan averages 1.4 goals, 3.5 marks and 2.6 inside 50s per game. When fully fit, he ranked as high as ninth in the competition for total goal assists and score involvements per game, while his premiership experience would not be taken lightly at the Suns.
