If the Gold Coast SUNS match simulations are anything to go by, Charlie Dixon is shaping up as a nightmare match-up for opposition defenders. 

The 23-year-old ruck forward has been wreaking havoc at Full Forward in recent weeks, taking strong contested marks and finishing his good work in front of goal. 

A niggling ankle injury hampered his training load pre-Christmas, but the Gold Coast spearhead has been working hard on his return to the main group and is now back to full training. 

And with his conditioning and motivation to perform at career-high levels, the bull-dozing key forward is on track to stamp his mark on the AFL this season. 

The challenge for Dixon, and the rest of the playing list according to GC SUNS assistant coach Mark Riley, is to maintain peak fitness and a thirst to play consistent senior AFL football. 

“The challenge for him and everyone else on our playing list is to stay durable so they can train and play on a regular basis,” Riley told goldcoastfc.com.au.

Unfortunately key injuries resulted in a disjointed forward line for “Bomber” in 2013, with Dixon, Lynch and Matera all succumbing to extended stints on the sidelines. 

But with all three Gold Coasters on track for a round-one call-up, the SUNS forward hopes are shining bright heading into the 2014 NAB Challenge series.

Meanwhile, the senior squad complete a solid skills and development session on Wednesday morning, including 400m repetitions and counter-attack simulations.