It’s the Gold Coast SUNS’ night of nights, and this year’s Club Champion awards night promises to be a event to be remembered.

Through the lens of our SUNS TV cameras, guests will relive all 22 of the team’s AFL Premiership rounds as we celebrate the best season in the GC SUNS’ growing history.

In what could be the most hotly-contested count to date, will three-time winner Gary Ablett defy the odds by capturing a fourth Club Champion medal? Or will the emergence of a number of young guns this season see the GC SUNS crown a new champion in 2014?

goldcoastfc.com.au previews this Friday’s gala dinner as we prepare to honour one player with the club’s highest individual accolade.

2014 Club Champion

The Gold Coast captain planted yet another powerful stamp on his prolific AFL footprint last season when he won his third successive Club Champion award, his fifth career Best & Fairest.

Despite young stars Prestia and O’Meara falling short to Ablett at the time, Guy McKenna had an eye towards the future. At just 19 and 20, respectively, the midfield tyros finished admirably behind the game’s best player in the overall count; no mean feat in anyone’s book.

Fast forward twelve months, and it’s evident times are changing, with Prestia and O’Meara benefiting from another year’s maturation.

The dynamic duo will expect fierce competition this Friday though, with the likes of David Swallow, Tom Lynch and Steven May all producing their best seasons in the AFL.

Jarrod Harbrow has finished fifth and seventh the past seasons, and the lively wingman should be in the awards mix, while consistent performances from Michael Rischitelli, Greg Broughton and Harley Bennell will see the trio earn valuable votes.

Player’s Player Award

Presented to inaugural winner Danny Stanley for the first time in 2013, the Player’s Player Award is bestowed to the player who is most voted by his peers for their ability to best play their role for the team.

The man dubbed the “Bull” was a worthy recipient last season, and is likely to be a front-runner again in voting from teammates.

First-year half-back Sean Lemmens slotted seamlessly into the SUNS’ backline, and received continued praise from teammates and coaches alike for his ability to perform his role.

Jarrod Harbrow, Michael Rischitelli and vice-captain Tom Lynch would also be in the mix.

Gold Coast SUNS Community Award

Presented to the player who demonstrated their dependability and commitment to the club’s core community programs.

After accepting the inaugural Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, Zac Smith would be a hot favourite claim this year’s club equivalent.

Jarrod Harbrow has taken the SUNS’ No Boundaries program from strength to strength thanks to his fantastic work in the indigenous space, while first-year Multicultural Ambassador Tom Nicholls embraced the opportunity to increase his efforts in the community.

Youth homelessness Ambassador Tom Lynch and Jack Hutchins continued their prominent work in their respective focus areas, with “Hutchy” even taking the challenge to be part of the club’s annual Homeless Sleepout event at Metricon Stadium, while Charlie Dixon’s work with the Gold Coast’s Northern Growth Corridor has also been well documented.

HOSTPLUS Most Professional Award

Presented to the player judged most professional by the strength and conditioning staff.

It was no surprise when Rory Thompson took out the award in 2013, with the club’s high performance team led by Stephen Schwerdt acknowledging Thompson’s work ethic, competitiveness and mental aptitude when it comes to training and recovery.

Given his impressive return straight to the AFL following a full knee reconstruction, Zac Smith would be in the frame, while Jaeger O’Meara’s perfect attendance over two years will have caught Schwerdt’s attention.

Victor Sports Most Improved Award

Presented to the player judged by the match committee to have made the greatest improvement on-field.

Thompson made it two-for-two at last year’s awards ceremony, becoming the only multiple award-winner on the night when he claimed the Victor Sports Most Improved.

Given his rise down back, Steven May will almost certainly be in contention, while Tom Lynch set a new season goal-kicking record with his 46 majors.

Dion Prestia’s blistering first-half of the 2014 season will see the pocket rocket garner attention.

NEAFL Player of the Year Award

Presented to the player judged to have made the greatest contribution at NEAFL level, by the GC SUNS development coaches.

Plenty of strong candidates make it hard to predict this category. Jeremy Taylor, Tom Murphy, Matthew Warnock and Jackson Allen have all been consistent in Josh Fraser’s NEAFL squad.