As the 2017 NAB AFL Trade Period draws closer, goldcoastfc.com.au takes a look at how the last batch of recruits went in their first year in the red and gold.

Jarryd Lyons

Jarryd Lyons had an ultra consistent first year at the SUNS, averaging 24.7 disposals and 5.8 in his18 games.

His contested ball work around the stoppage became a trademark feature and something the Gold Coast desperately needed throughout the season.

Lyon’s was able to collect 20 or more possessions in 16 out of the 18 games he played in 2017, highlighting his consistency. Generally speaking, when the midfielder was playing well, so were the Gold Coast Suns as a whole.

The former Crow’s first big game came in the club’s round three victory over Hawthorn where he gathered 30 possessions and 10 clearances as the SUNS got their first win on the board for 2017.

The 25 year old was also instrumental in the nail biting three-point victory over West Coast in round 11. Not only did he collect plenty of the ball with 29 possessions, he also won eight clearances, laid eight tackles and kicked a goal to put his hand up as a contender for the recruit of the season.

That claim was further enhanced when he had a career high 39 disposal game in round 15 to go with another 10 clearances.

However, in round 19 against Collingwood, Lyon’s injured his ankle in a wet and miserable night at Metricon Stadium.

To his credit, Lyons tried to play through the pain, attempting to provide an option in the forward line for his team, but the injury was ultimately too much as he was forced to miss the following three games.

At just 25 years of age, Gold Coast fans will look forward to more midfield dominance from Lyons in the years to come.

Michael Barlow

Michael Barlow impressed from the very moment he arrived at SUNS HQ.

The ultimate professional, Barlow’s leadership is highly regarded by players and coaches alike, making him a solid recruit both on and off the field.

Arriving at the SUNS from the Fremantle after being delisted, his priceless experiences and knowledge were two areas he was more than willing to share with his new club. Having been fortunate enough to play in a Grand Final, Barlow knew what it took for individual and team success at the highest level.

From the moment pre-season started, Barlow led the way on the track, not only setting the standard for an elite environment but constantly challenging the team to push it higher. It was for this reason he was awarded the Most Professional Award at the Club Champion night.

Season 2016 started in terrific fashion for Barlow, with 34 possessions and seven inside 50’s in Gold Coast’s victory over the Hawks.

Just two weeks later, he led all possession getters on the ground with another 36 disposals.

Barlow’s year was flying until a horror and sickening incident saw him break his leg for the second time in round 13 against Carlton. The injury required surgery and put an end to Barlow’s season as a SUN.

The manner in which Barlow has carried himself during his rehab has been second- to-none and great for the younger SUNS players to witness. Members and fans are no doubt looking forward to seeing the midfielder back in action for 2018.

Jarrod Witts

Coming into the 2017 season, there was a level of uncertainty surrounding who exactly was the Gold Coast’s number one ruck man.

However, it didn’t take long for 209cm big man, Jarrod Witts to claim the spot upon his arrival on the Coast from Collingwood.

Witts had his career best season in 2017, the pincle of which was his round 10 performance where he had 51 hit-outs – a career high.

Two weeks later, against respected big man Ben McEvoy from Hawthorn, Witts won 46 (second career high) hit outs for the midfielders and gathered 17 possessions of his own.

This hot run of form and striking improvement prompted coach at the time, Rodney Eade to urge the football world to give Witts more credit.

"His ability to win the ball in the air and then get around the ground - I don't think there's many times he's been beaten this year. He seems to go under the radar…but I think he's been one of the better ruckmen in the competition," Eade said following Gold Coast’s round 16 loss to Sydney.

It is easy to forget that Witts is just 24 years old and still has a lot of improvement left in him, which SUNS fans are certainly looking forward to watching in the years to come.

Pearce Hanley

It was a somewhat frustrating first season in the red, gold and blue for the running Irishman, Pearce Hanley.

Coming off a strong pre-season, his electric pace and classy ball use was a much needed addition to the Gold Coast line up but he unfortunately missed eight weeks at the front end of the season due to the death of his brother, Tommy.

Upon his return from Ireland, Hanley played in a NEAFL game to re-gain some fitness and form before retuning to the AFL side. Unfortunately, his bad run continued as he bruised a heel, leaving him in a moon boot and forcing him to watch from the sidelines until round 10.

However, SUNS fans were quickly reminded of his immense talents in just his second game back where he dominated West Coast to collect 31 possessions as well as six inside 50’s and three running bounces- his running and carry from the back half of the ground something the SUNS were desperately missing. 

Hanley went on to gather 20 or more possessions in all of his last five games of the season, showing the importance of stringing games together ans the impact that has on Hanley’s game.

This hot run of form included a 31 possession game together with eight rebound 50’s in the club’s round 19 clash with Richmond, his run out of defence saw him back to his efficient best.

With another strong pre-season and some continuity in games, expect Pearce Hanley to build on the strong foundations set in his first year on the Coast in 2018.