We asked AFL.com.au's Michael Whiting to select his best Gold Coast SUNS 22 for the upcoming 2015 season, not taking into account current injuries or suspensions.
This is clearly the strongest and deepest list of the SUNS' five years, and therefore the most difficult to select.
The backline almost picks itself, with Greg Broughton showing he can take the opposition's best small forward when he towelled up Josh Green on Friday night. With such a plethora of midfielders – when fully fit – it's hard to fit them all in. I like Kade Kolodjashnij on a wing where he can use his running power and precise kicking into the forward 50, while Jaeger O'Meara can start on the other wing and move into the midfield as rotations dictate.
The headaches Jack Martin and Harley Bennell can cause in the forward line means I've only gone with two primary talls, while Touk Miller's terrier-like defensive pressure adds yet another exciting dimension.
There's always unlucky omissions, which is a good sign, and Zac Smith is probably the most unlucky after his strong pre-season. If he continues at that level, there's no doubt he can edge back the No.1 role, but over the larger body of work, I'm leaning towards Tom Nicholls. Sean Lemmens could also very easily find a bench spot with his ability to lock down small forwards.
