The Gold Coast SUNS AFL players completed one of their largest training sessions since returning in mid-January from the Christmas break.

In balmy conditions at the Austworld Centre, players were put through their paces during a three-hour training session on Friday morning.

SUNS fans can begin to get excited for the return of big man Jarrod Witts and small defender Connor Budarick as they both continue their return from ACL injuries suffered early in the 2021 season.

The two participated in the majority of the session with slightly modified training exercises to suit their return to play. Witts moved freely and Budarick was his tenacious self as the two competed against each other in a series of tackling and contested drills.

Lachie Weller appeared right at home across half back, standing out during a series of match simulation drills, using his elite speed and kicking skills to break open lines and kickstart forward forays.

Jeremy Sharp looks to have continued from his promising end to the 2022 season, where he finished with nine straight appearances on the wing for the SUNS, finding plenty of the footy and driving his team forward with run, carry and clean ball use.

Matt Rowell was relentless in his attack on the footy through the midfield and continues to build towards Round 1 with a clear run at pre-season.

Ben King had four shots on goal providing a clear target inside forward 50, Sam Collins was commanding his defensive group in the defensive 50, whilst Touk Miller and Noah Anderson were leading the way through the midfield.

Mac Andrew played in the forward line, kicking a nice snap at goal after collecting cleanly off the ground and finishing with class. The number five pick in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft also had a set shot on goal, that was touched on the line after marking strongly above his head.

Mabior Chol was clean by foot and with his hands in drills prior to the match simulation and worked hard around the ground afterwards as he looked to continue to put his best forward

New recruits, Charlie Constable and Sandy Brock looked comfortable in SUNS colours as they begin to adapt to their new home, whilst fellow recruit Bodhi Uwland continues in his recovery from a back injury.

Jack Bowes will have a delayed start to his campaign after sustaining a shoulder injury that required surgery. The injury will see him miss a couple of months, with an expected return to play in the early rounds of the 2022 Premiership Season.