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.
4. Darcy Cameron
After a breakout season in 2022, it would come as no surprise to see Darcy Cameron on any club's most-wanted list. Brodie Grundy's injury and Mason Cox's form allowed him to flourish as the number one ruckman at Collingwood, while he has also proven to be an asset in front of goal.
Jarrod Witts is a quality ruckman and a great leader at the Suns, he has been instrumental in the cultural shift at the club. However, at 30 years of age, the wear and tear of AFL football will start to take its toll and the club would dearly love some quality support for him.
Cameron shapes as the ideal foil, able to play forward when needed and dominate aerially around the ground. His presence would allow Mabior Chol and Ben King to focus solely on their forward craft, while it would afford youngster Mac Andrew plenty of time to develop.
Related: If every AFL club could steal one player: Western Bulldogs
While Gold Coast are not short on hit-outs, ranking first in the competition for per game averages, Witts' injury history and age make a player like Cameron a smart safety net should things go wrong.
His average of 3.8 marks per game, coupled with his average of 17.6 hit-outs per game in 2022 highlight his value as a support ruckman that would add some much-needed depth for the Suns in a crucial department.
