Could Gold Coast record a trifecta in the 2020 NAB AFL Rising Star award?

Last year's No.1 overall draft pick, Matt Rowell, is the overwhelming favourite to claim the prestigious honour in his first season with the SUNS.

However, his biggest competition is tipped to come from within, with livewire small forward Izak Rankine and big-bodied midfielder Noah Anderson expected to claim plenty of votes.

Rowell appears to be a walk-up start in the midfield given how dominant he was at junior level with Vic Metro and Oakleigh Chargers.

Rankine will almost be like a new recruit for the SUNS.

Injuries held the speedster back last year, but the third overall pick from the 2018 national draft is back into full training and ready to light up the competition.

Anderson should also feature early alongside his best mate Rowell.

The 188cm 18-year-old is likely to start his career as a forward, but he's also got the ability to roll through the midfield.

Recent history is on Rowell's side, with two of the past three No. 1 overall draft picks winning the Rising Star award the following year.

Andrew McGrath achieved the feat with Essendon in 2017 before Carlton midfielder am Walsh took out the honours last year.

If Rowell, Rankine or Anderson can win the Rising Star award, they will be the first SUNS player to claim the award since Jaeger O'Meara in 2013.

Other top-10 draftees who should make an impact this year include Fremantle trio Caleb Serong, Hayden Young and Liam Henry, Greater Western Sydney's academy selection Tom Green and Sydney wingman Dylan Stephens.

Best chance: Matt Rowell. Should be in the Suns' best 22 from round one and play a prominent midfield role all season.
Eligible players: 14 – Jacob Dawson (nine games), Caleb Graham (three games), Noah Anderson, Connor Budarick, Matt Conroy, Sam Flanders, Sam Fletcher, Jez McLennan, Izak Rankine, Mitch Riordan, Malcolm Rosas, Matt Rowell, Jeremy Sharp, Luke Towey.