It’s the same old story for the sorry Suns. Plenty of promise, not much to show for it.
At times, Gold Coast have looked like a team ready to challenge. Their wins over Geelong, Carlton and particularly their destruction of Hawthorn in Round 3 have proven that there is serious talent on this list.
David Swallow and Michael Barlow have been welcome inclusions to a team that lacked grit. Jarrod Harbrow has been good in defence. Jack Martin and Aaron Hall have looked like superstars at their best.
Despite some laughable media scrutiny earlier in the season, Gary Ablett has been back to his brilliant best as well, may be cold comfort for Suns fans if he leaves at season’s end.
There is the nucleus of a good football team here. The spine looks great, there’s lots of top draft picks with more to come and surely a mountain of salary cap space to go shopping with with.
But questions remain. Can they attract a big fish to their small pond? Will guys like Steven May hang around long enough to see success? And will Rodney Eade be there to lead them?
D+
