#25 Sam Collins
Collins came to the club from Werribee in the VFL after previously spending time at Fremantle. He was one of three special assistance signings for the SUNS prior to the 2018 draft. When an ACL injury struck fellow key defender Rory Thompson in the pre-season, Collins became the number one guy at fullback for Gold Coast to start the season. He impressed early with his intercept marking, ranking as one of the best interceptors in the league in the opening rounds of the competition. A hip injury from Round 9 ended his season early but Collins proved he has a future in the red and gold.
Best game:
Collins rose to the occasion with a point to prove in Round 2 against his former side Fremantle. He was a rock in defence for the SUNS, finishing with 18 disposals and eight marks.
Moment of the season:
Nothing could beat Collins’ clutch game-saving mark against the Dockers. With the SUNS leading by just three points in the final minute, Collins showed bravery going back with the flight to mark and win the game for Gold Coast with seconds remaining.
It came down to the wire in #AFLSunsFreo.
— AFL (@AFL) March 31, 2019
Re-watch the Last Two Minutes, thanks to @AAMI. pic.twitter.com/w6lJ8Hj6WP
Year in a movie title:
The Fighter
#19 Josh Corbett
Coming to the SUNS from Werribee with a reputation for his hard-running and strong marking, it didn’t take long for Corbett to earn his chance at AFL level. Debuting in the QClash in Round 5, the 23-year-old went on to play nine games in his first season in the red and gold. He kicked three goals and averaged four marks per match, but will be looking to improve on those numbers in 2020.
Best game:
Corbett was solid most weeks he played. In Round 9 against Port Adelaide he had 13 disposals, six marks and four tackles in the wet. He could have had a better game if he kicked straight in front of goals, finishing with two behinds for the day.
Moment of the season:
Debuting in a QClash would be Corbett’s highlight for the year and one he’ll remember for years to come.
Year in a movie title:
Limitless
#29 Chris Burgess
Burgess played 14 games for the SUNS in his first year in the AFL. The swingman came to the club from SANFL club West Adelaide where he was valued for his ability to play as a forward or key defender. Debuting in Round 1 against St Kilda, Burgess went on to play the first five games of the season before going back to the NEAFL. He played three matches in the middle of the year then returned to play the remaining six games to tally 14 for the year. Originally starting as a forward, Burgess finished the year as a key defender after injuries mounted in the back half of the ground.
Best game:
Burgess played well in Round 2 against Fremantle, accumulating 12 disposals, six marks and three tackles in attack. He was responsible for setting up the winning goal, hitting skipper David Swallow on the chest 30 metres out from goal.
Moment of the season:
Getting the win in Round 2 and his first AFL Gatorade shower had to be the highlight for Burgess this year.
Year in a movie title:
Sudden Impact
