Best 22
B: Brown, Coad, Toy
HB: Krakouer, Bock, Hunt
C: Bennell, Swallow, Harbrow
HF: Weller, Lock, Brennan
F: Matera, Dixon, Prestia
FOLL: Smith, Ablett, Rischitelli
C: Harris, Caddy, Fraser
SUB: Iles
Injury list
Jeremy Taylor (knee) - 3-4 weeks
Most valuable player
Without a doubt, dual premiership player and Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett is the GC SUNS star player, and should pick up where he left off at Geelong, racking up the numbers week-to-week. But it could be former Brisbane Lion Jared Brennan that causes the most headaches for opposition coaches, with the versatile running utility a tough man to match up on.
Track specialist
Despite not having being sighted in any of the pre-season games, the other Ablett, Nathan, has by all reports been very impressive on the training track after overcoming a slight hamstring niggle in December. He managed just nine games for the GC SUNS in the VFL last year and hasn't played at AFL level in three years, but could still be a handy player in attack.
Dream Team special
Everywhere you look there are Dream Team bargains to be found at the Gold Coast Suns. One player to consider is midfielder Sam Iles. He won the GC SUNS best and fairest in the VFL last year, and with a little bit of AFL experience under his belt, he's sure to increase in value from his starting price of $110,400.
Pivotal match
After winning only five games at VFL level last season, it's fair to say that victories in the Gold Coast SUNS first AFL season are going to be few and far between. The round seven clash with the Brisbane Lions is not only a chance for the two Queensland clubs to build on their state rivalry, but also an opportunity for the Gold Coast SUNS to notch their first win of the year over a side that is odds-on favourite to win the wooden spoon.
Draftee watch
All eyes will be on the group of young guns that the GC SUNS were able to pick up thanks to the concessions they were given by the AFL. David Swallow, the No.1 pick of 2010, is the obvious one to watch, but keep an eye on young ruckman Zac Smith. The 206cm Smith is tipped to play every game and has been touted as the competition's next top ruckman.
The Gold Coast SUNS will have a good year if…
Some of their young kids show potential. The footy world is eagerly waiting to see how the Gold Coast SUNS top draft picks and top 17-year-olds from 2009 will perform at the top level. Swallow, Day, Matera, Prestia and Smith are just some of the names that have the potential to dazzle the AFL, and we can't wait to see what they have to offer.
The big issues
How will the Gold Coast SUNS hold up through the rigours of an AFL season?
With 27 players under the age of 20, the young list will likely struggle against more seasoned AFL bodies. With both of their byes before the halfway mark of the season, the Suns could fade fast in the latter part of the year.
Can the Gold Coast SUNS avoid the wooden spoon?
Port Adelaide, the last side to join the AFL, managed to finish a very respectable ninth in its inaugural season. With the Brisbane Lions on a downward spiral there is every chance the AFL's 17th team could surprise the football community.
Can Karmichael Hunt have an impact?
There has been a lot of hype surrounding the rugby league convert's transition to the AFL, and it will be interesting to watch not only his development in defence, but also to see if he can draw a crowd.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
