List summary:
2018 was not a great start for new coach Stuart Dew. The Suns only won four games for the season and most of those came in the opening rounds, winning only one of their last seventeen matches.
Gold Coast have a serious experience void on there list. At this point in time they will be starting the next year with only one player with more than 150 games under his belt.
Goal kicking forwards, talls at both ends of the ground and midfielders who consistently find the ball are areas the club sorely lacks in.
List changes:
The Suns shed a large amount of experience with the retirement of Matt Rosa and the delisting of Michael Barlow and Michael Rischitelli. Josh Jaska, Max Spencer and Mackenzie Willis also failed to receive new contracts 2019.
Former captain, Tom Lynch, is seeking to leave the club via free agency. Gold Coast’s current skipper Steven May is also rumoured to want out. Speedy midfielder Aaron Hall is expected to request a trade to North Melbourne.
Draft picks:
Gold Coast currently have national draft picks 2, 17, 26, 29, 38, 41, 74 and 92. The Suns are expected to add to their large collection of draft picks with compensation for Lynch and have also applied for a priority pick.
Draft target:
It has been mooted that Gold Coast would “handcuff” their two high draft picks (assuming they receive pick 3 for Lynch) by selecting both of the King twins. Last rumour was that they weren’t interested in the brothers but would be doing similarly with South Australians Jack Lukosius and Connor Rozee. The two are very close and are also friends with 2017 draftee, Charlie Ballard.
Trade target:
Jake Lloyd has long been rumoured to be connected to the Gold Coast. The out of contract Swan would be a great pairing with Lachie Weller off half-back.
Best case scenario:
Gold Coast have a swag of second round draft picks, and if they can turn them into professional and driven mature age players, rather than more kids that fall in the deep end, they would be much better off.
