Everything is new at the SUNS. With 13 new players and five new coaches there's been as many introductions as there's been training sessions. Running has been a huge focus with the club employing a part-time running coach, while Stuart Dew has been quick to implement half-ground drills that use every available player. So often dogged by injuries over the years, it's so far so good for the SUNS, with the list in good shape to date.

Injury list

Sam Day: Had shoulder surgery in the off-season but is already close to a full return. Day is marking the ball and will resume full contact after Christmas.

Nick Holman: The tough utility has suffered a bit of back soreness in the past fortnight. It's nothing too serious but his workload will be cut back in the next few weeks before being ramped up again after Christmas.

George Horlin-Smith: Like Day, the Geelong recruit had off-season shoulder surgery. He's taken part in the team drills – wearing the orange 'no contact' cap. He'll be fully integrated when the players return from their break.

Jack Leslie: The key defender is the biggest concern following an off-season knee operation. He's started back running but is a way off joining the main group. 

Who takes the SUNS forward? 

With Tom Lynch and Steven May leaving, who will join David Swallow, Jarrod Harbrow and Jarrod Witts in leadership positions? Touk Miller is already a leader and been loud at training, but Brayden Fiorini, Jack Bowes and Lachie Weller have also noticeably taken a step forward in that regard. Bowes and Weller have also had draftees around for dinner. The new captain – and leadership group – will be named sometime after Christmas and these guys are already putting their hands up.