The progress of Gold Coast was always going to be an intriguing game of patience, given they were the first of two new expansion teams.
Regular defeats were inevitable and lessons would often be dealt in big losses. But now entering their third AFL season, attributing a lack of success to inexperience and smaller bodies is wearing thin for the Suns.
Claiming only six wins in their first two seasons, Gold Coast need to show their supporters that the graph is going in the right direction by significantly improving on those figures. Coach Guy McKenna will be desperate to see development from his core group of youngsters, with the addition of draft gun Jaeger O’Meara adding further excitement to the squad. However, the addition is off-set by the lose of hugely talented midfielder Josh Caddy to Geelong and ruck prospect Tom Hickey to St Kilda, which hurts their stocks in the centre of the ground.
While ladder position is still not the be all and end all for the Suns, it is vital that they take care of business against Greater Western Sydney, and put their best foot forward against the likes of Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide.
Key Player: Gary Ablett
Unbelievable personal numbers, impact and leadership over the last two years have confirmed Gary Ablett’s superstar status. He played so well last year that it was even questioned whether his brilliance was hindering his teammates, because he simply dominates possession counts.
McKenna may look to push Ablett to the forward line a little more in 2013 to compensate for the lack of firepower in the Suns front half, adding pressure on the midfield to step up without relying on the skipper. Midfielders Michael Rischitelli and Harley Bennell would look to take more control in that situation.
Still the darling of fantasy teams, there is no reason to think Ablett can’t keep up his sensational form in 2013.
Circle it on the calendar: Round 5 vs. GWS Giants
Both games against Greater Western Sydney Giants are massive for Gold Coast this season, particularly after it was the Suns who were the first to be defeated by the Giants in 2012. The round five clash between the two expansion sides appears to be the most important for both teams.
Both sides play Port Adelaide before round five, and the Giants meet Melbourne, but it is likely the two teams will meet searching for their first win. Gold Coast needs to enforce its older brother status over the Giants with a win to get their season up and running.
2013 Prediction: 15th – 17th
Ladder position won’t necessarily be the defining factor to assess Gold Coast’s season. Even so, they will be very keen to finish above Greater Western Sydney and possibly the Western Bulldogs or Melbourne.
The forward line needs bolstering long-term, but with vice-captain Nathan Bock returning from injury the Suns should at least have a reliable big target. Impressive youngster Tom Lynch will be keen to keep showing improvement, as will Sam Day.
The Ablett-led midfield is full of promising young pieces, and fans will want to see good performances from future stars Bennell, David Swallow, Trent McKenzie and Zac Smith. With the addition of former Hawthorn defender Tom Murphy, the Gold Coast defence continues to be built of solid recycled players, with Matthew Warnock and Jarrod Harbrow working through there well.
The key pieces of the Suns lineup is talented and promising, but more young players need to step up and play consistent football, paving the way for a steady climb up the ladder in years to come.
Josh Barnes is a first-year Bachelor of Journalism (sport) student at La Trobe. You can follow him on Twitter: @barnesyy
