2022 Team Preview – Gold Coast Suns

The Suns have won an average of 5 games a year for the last 7 years since their best year in 2014 when they won 10. They did manage to win 7 last year including wins against Richmond, GWS and Sydney. Stuey Dew is now into his 5th year as coach and it is now or never for them to finally reach the finals. We saw last year the rise of Touk Miller but can a handful of the others help to share the load and share of SuperCoach points.

DEFENDERS

Feeling Lucky: Jack LUKOSIUS ($438,300, DEF/MID) is into his 4th year after averaging 80ppg the last 2 seasons and may be one to jump on. The main issue is his inconsistency, 1 month he might average 95 but then the next he could drop multiple sub 70 scores. He’s great to watch in full flight with one of the best kicks in the comp.He looks set to be on a wing this season but I’m not sure if this helps his scoring as he tends to score best in the Quarterback role when he can take majority of the kick ins.

Money Maker: Not much to see here but 2 players that have been on the list for a while now are Jez MCLENNAN ($123,900) and Rory THOMPSON ($123,900).

MIDFIELDERS

Lock and Load: It goes without saying that Touk MILLER ($677,800) was one of the premier mids in the comp last year with an average of 124.5. He bumped his average up by 18.6ppg from his previous career best 105.9. Only 3 scores under 100 (80, 78 & 96) he didn’t score under 100 after round 5 and had a huge 7 scores over 140. Averaged 130.5 after his bye which could see him slightly under-priced to start the year. He can bust through a tag if teams will even bother trying and tackles with the best of them. He’s hard to ignore but with only the 1 year of Uber Premo scoring is he worth the $$$.

Feeling Lucky: Matt ROWELL ($342,900) is a beast and has the potential to be a SuperCoach legend. The only issue is his body. Managed to play 12 games last year after a knee injury in the 1st quarter of round 1 last year. In his 11 games after injury he averaged 68.2 with a high score of 84 which is not pretty but they were easing him back in to get some footy under his belt which is exciting to see. Who could forget his 1st 4 games in 2020 where he averaged 126.5 including a 171 and 141. The potential is there and the role should be there but the $50,000 question is what his true level of scoring is. Those that have been burnt twice may be cautious. (Me)

Just quickly Brayden FIORINI ($551,600) came into the side late on in the year and showed that he can score, while he’s not a popular starting option he has the potential to average 110 this year. Also Noah ANDERSON ($455,000) is a player I like and heading into the 3rd year breakout territory and has the potential to fill the hole left by Hugh Greenwood. He had a slow start to his career but came home strongly in 2020 averaging 101 in his last 4 then in 2021 did the same going at 104.8 in his last 4 games. With season averages of 76.6 and 83.6 expect him to bump up his average again, somewhere around the 95 mark feels like a minimum.

Money Maker: Charlie CONSTANBLE ($213,400) will be a fairly popular pick if he is given a round 1 berth and for good reason, he can score when given a decent run and role. Averaged 80 from 7 games in 2019 while at the Cats and dominated in the VFL last season. Now more mature and hopefully with more responsibility he could average around that mark again, priced around the 40ppg mark if he averages 75 he makes you roughly 200k (he might have just worked his way into my side). Alex DAVIES ($202,500) played the last game of the year for a 62 to ruin his price but could still be an option. Knows how to find the ball as a tall inside mid, if the price doesn’t scare you off then keep him on the watch list.

RUCKS

Feeling Lucky: Like to take risks with the ruck or wanting to mix things up then Jarrod WITTS ($380,300) could be your man. Ruptured his ACL after 2 and ¾ games last year with an average of 87.3 which is his lowest since 2016. His usual output is around the 95 mark, even with the addition of Mabior Chol I see him around this again.

Money Maker: Mac ANDREW ($189,300) was drafted at pick 5 in last year’s draft and may get games during the year but not a player I would be picking at his price.

FORWARDS

Lock and Load: Elijah HOLLANDS (123,900, MID/FWD) should be locked into your side this pre-season simple as that. Slid massively in his draft year to #7 as he was carrying an injury which shows that he has talent. He came back and played some VFL last year and should be right to go round 1.

Feeling Lucky: Izak RANKINE ($299,700) has been spoken about to have more mid time this year but after averaging 55.1 last year, his injury history and hefty price tag you would need to see something in pre-season to consider this move. He did average 69.2 in 2020 and showed glimpses but I think for this year at least he is a no considering the other cheap options available.

Money Maker: Hewago Paul OEA ($123,900, FWD/MID) had a solid year in the VFL but was hampered by some small injuries to prevent him from debuting. Not likely to start round 1 but could be a possible down grade target.

Currently Hollands is locked into my side with Rowell and Constable on the cusp.

 

---

Leave a comment / Scroll to bottom