5 AFL Trade Targets For Gold Coast Suns In 2024

Hey guys! Footy season is heating up, and you know what that means – trade talk is in the air! For all you Gold Coast Suns fans out there, we’re diving deep into some potential trade targets that could seriously boost the team's chances next season. We're talking about players who can fill crucial gaps, add some much-needed experience, and help the Suns climb the AFL ladder. So, let's get straight into it and explore five players who could be wearing the Gold Coast colors in 2024!

Why the Gold Coast Suns Need to Be Active in the Trade Period

Before we jump into specific names, let's quickly discuss why the upcoming trade period is so important for the Gold Coast Suns. The Suns have been on the cusp of finals contention for a few years now, showing flashes of brilliance but ultimately falling short. To take that next step and become a genuine premiership threat, they need to strategically bolster their list. This means identifying key areas of weakness and targeting players who can address those needs immediately. Smart trading isn't just about acquiring talent; it's about acquiring the right talent – players who fit the team's culture, playing style, and long-term vision. For the Suns, this could mean adding more midfield depth, a key defender, or a reliable goal-kicking forward. The Gold Coast Suns have a talented young core, but injecting some experience and leadership into the mix can be invaluable. Veteran players can provide guidance to the younger guys, help them develop their skills, and offer a steady presence on the field during high-pressure situations. Think about the impact a seasoned player can have in the locker room and on the training track, not just on game day. Securing a few key trades can be the difference between another season of near-misses and a deep finals run. The Suns have the potential to be a force in the AFL, and a successful trade period could be the catalyst they need to unlock that potential. So, let's explore the players who could help them get there. Keep an eye on the key areas of the team that need improvement and make strategic moves to fill those gaps. This approach will set the Suns up for a more competitive and successful future.

Trade Target 1: A Dominant Key Defender

The first area the Gold Coast Suns should address is their key defensive post. While they have some promising young defenders, they lack that experienced, dominant presence down back who can consistently shut down the opposition's key forwards. Think about the impact a player like Tom Stewart or Darcy Moore has on their respective teams – that's the kind of player the Suns need to target. A dominant key defender not only provides a physical presence but also brings leadership and organizational skills to the backline. They can take the pressure off the younger defenders, allowing them to develop at their own pace, and they can provide invaluable guidance during crucial moments of the game. Imagine the confidence boost the entire team would get knowing they have an impenetrable wall in defense. There are several potential targets the Suns could consider in this area. A player like Ben McKay, who is a proven interceptor and strong one-on-one defender, could be a great fit. Alternatively, they could look at a more experienced option like Phil Davis, who has a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience. The key is to identify a player who not only has the physical attributes to excel in the role but also the mental fortitude and leadership qualities to command the backline. A strong defensive unit is the foundation of any successful team. By adding a dominant key defender, the Suns can significantly improve their ability to prevent scores and launch counterattacks. This will not only make them harder to beat but also give their forward line more opportunities to score. The flow-on effect of having a reliable defense cannot be overstated. It allows the midfielders to play with more freedom, knowing they have support behind them, and it gives the forwards more confidence, knowing that if they miss a few shots, the defense can hold strong. So, securing a top-tier key defender should be a top priority for the Suns in the upcoming trade period. It's a move that could pay dividends for years to come.

Trade Target 2: A Midfield Bull

Next up, the Suns could really benefit from adding a midfield bull – a tough, hard-running player who can win contested possessions and break tackles. While the Suns have some skilled midfielders, they sometimes lack that grunt and physicality in the engine room, especially when facing the top teams. A midfield bull brings a different dimension to the team's midfield. They're the kind of player who thrives in the trenches, winning the hard ball and creating opportunities for their teammates. They can also provide valuable protection for the smaller, more creative midfielders, allowing them to operate with more freedom. Think about players like Patrick Dangerfield or Clayton Oliver – these are the guys who can change the course of a game with their sheer physicality and determination. There are a few players who could fit this mold for the Suns. A player like Jack Steele, who is a tackling machine and a proven leader, would be a massive addition. Alternatively, they could look at someone like Tom Green, who is a young, up-and-coming midfielder with a knack for winning contested ball. The key is to find a player who not only has the physical attributes to excel in the role but also the work ethic and determination to consistently perform at a high level. A strong midfield is the heart of any successful team. By adding a midfield bull, the Suns can significantly improve their ability to win the contested ball and control the flow of the game. This will not only make them more competitive in the midfield battles but also give their forwards more opportunities to score. The impact of a dominant midfield cannot be overstated. It allows the team to control possession, dictate the tempo of the game, and create scoring opportunities. So, targeting a midfield bull should be a key focus for the Suns in the upcoming trade period. It's a move that could transform their midfield and make them a much more dangerous team.

Trade Target 3: A Classy Outside Midfielder

While inside grunt is crucial, the Suns also need a classy outside midfielder – a player with elite running capacity, clean disposal skills, and the ability to link up play between defense and attack. These guys are the key to transitioning the ball quickly and effectively, and they can provide a valuable outlet for the inside midfielders when they're under pressure. A classy outside midfielder is like the team's playmaker, using their vision and skills to create scoring opportunities. They're the guys who can break the lines with their running, deliver pinpoint passes, and kick goals from outside the 50-meter arc. Think about players like Andrew Gaff or Lachie Whitfield – these are the guys who can make a significant impact with their outside run and carry. There are several potential targets the Suns could consider in this role. A player like Isaac Smith, who is a proven premiership player with exceptional running capacity and disposal skills, would be a great addition. Alternatively, they could look at someone like Bradley Hill, who is a classy ball user with a knack for finding space. The key is to identify a player who not only has the physical attributes to excel in the role but also the decision-making skills and composure to thrive under pressure. A well-balanced midfield is essential for success in modern football. By adding a classy outside midfielder, the Suns can complement their inside grunt and create a more dynamic and versatile midfield unit. This will make them harder to defend against and give them more scoring options. The ability to transition the ball quickly and efficiently is crucial in today's game. A classy outside midfielder can provide that link between defense and attack, creating opportunities for the forwards and relieving pressure on the defense. So, targeting a player in this mold should be a priority for the Suns in the upcoming trade period. It's a move that could significantly improve their ball movement and overall team performance.

Trade Target 4: A Reliable Goal-Kicking Forward

Next up on the list, the Gold Coast Suns need a reliable goal-kicking forward. While they have some talented forwards, they sometimes struggle to convert their opportunities, particularly in close games. A reliable goal-kicking forward is a game-changer. They're the guys who can consistently hit the scoreboard, taking the pressure off the other forwards and giving the team a focal point in attack. They also provide a sense of confidence and security, knowing that if the ball gets into their hands, there's a good chance they'll convert. Think about players like Tom Hawkins or Charlie Curnow – these are the guys who can win you games with their ability to kick goals under pressure. There are several potential targets the Suns could consider in this area. A player like Mitch Lewis, who is a strong contested mark and a reliable set shot, would be a great addition. Alternatively, they could look at someone like Luke Breust, who is a crafty small forward with a knack for finding the goals. The key is to identify a player who not only has the goal-kicking ability but also the work ethic and determination to consistently create scoring opportunities. A potent forward line is essential for any team with premiership aspirations. By adding a reliable goal-kicking forward, the Suns can significantly improve their scoring power and make them a much more dangerous attacking team. This will not only help them win more games but also give their midfield and defense more confidence, knowing they have a reliable target up forward. The ability to convert scoring opportunities is crucial in modern football. A reliable goal-kicking forward can provide that finishing touch, turning close games into victories. So, targeting a player in this mold should be a priority for the Suns in the upcoming trade period. It's a move that could transform their forward line and make them a genuine scoring threat.

Trade Target 5: A Quality Small Forward

Last but not least, the Suns could really use a quality small forward – a player who is quick, elusive, and capable of kicking goals and applying pressure inside the forward 50. These guys are the spark plugs of the forward line, creating opportunities for themselves and their teammates. A quality small forward adds a different dimension to the attack. They're the guys who can crumb the ball off contests, apply tackling pressure, and kick goals from difficult angles. They also tend to draw the attention of the opposition defenders, creating space for the taller forwards to operate. Think about players like Jamie Elliott or Cody Weightman – these are the guys who can change the game with their speed, agility, and goal sense. There are a few players who could fit this mold for the Suns. A player like Izak Rankine, who is a crafty small forward with exceptional goal sense and tackling pressure, would be a fantastic addition. Alternatively, they could look at someone like Jack Higgins, who is a proven goal scorer with a knack for finding the goals. The key is to find a player who not only has the physical attributes to excel in the role but also the creativity and football smarts to consistently impact the game. A dynamic forward line is a nightmare for opposition defenses. By adding a quality small forward, the Suns can create a more unpredictable and dangerous attack. This will make them harder to defend against and give them more scoring options. The ability to apply pressure inside the forward 50 is crucial in modern football. A quality small forward can disrupt the opposition's defense, create turnovers, and generate scoring opportunities. So, targeting a player in this mold should be a key consideration for the Suns in the upcoming trade period. It's a move that could add a spark to their forward line and make them a much more exciting team to watch.

So there you have it, guys! Five potential trade targets that could seriously boost the Gold Coast Suns' chances next season. Of course, who the Suns actually target and acquire will depend on a variety of factors, including player availability, salary cap considerations, and the club's overall strategy. But one thing is for sure: the upcoming trade period is a crucial opportunity for the Suns to strengthen their list and take that next step towards premiership contention. Keep your eyes peeled for more trade talk and analysis in the coming weeks. It's going to be an exciting off-season!