AFL legend Kevin Barlett has predicted the Gold Coast SUNS to be a surprise packet in season 2017, with the additions the SUNS have made both on and off the field to provide a catalyst for movement up the AFL Premiership ladder.

On Tuesday, former AFL Head of Football Mark Evans was announced as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer and with experienced midfielders Pearce Hanley and Michael Barlow joining the club and one of the most talented spines in the competition, the SUNS have tremendous potential.

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“Mark Evans goes from the AFL to the Gold Coast to take up the CEO’s job,” Bartlett said in his KB’s Take segment on SEN on Thursday.

“It’s a good move by Evans, for I believe Gold Coast can be a surprise packet this year.

“The past two years under Rodney Eade have produced just 10 wins from 44 games. Along the way Eade has seen the departure of Charlie Dixon, Harley Bennell, Dion Prestia and Jaeger O’Meara, all (of which) were expected in those early heady days to lead the SUNS to glory.

“Despite many hiccups the SUNS have arguably the two most exciting key forwards in the game. Tom Lynch is already All-Australian and two-metre Peter – Peter Wright - booted 27 goals in his breakout year in 2016.

“Up the other end of the ground Gold Coast have Steven May and Rory Thompson. May, in my eyes, could be second only to Alex Rance as the best tall defender and Thompson has unlimited upside at centre half back.

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“Now the midfield has added Pearce Hanley and Michael Barlow, along with David Swallow who is a gun back from injury and Jack Martin is an unbelievable young talent ready to explode.

“And of course the best player in the game in Gary Ablett returns and is ready to go.

“The SUNS will be no pushover in 2017.”