Ladder position: 17th; 3W, 19L
Leading goalkicker: Danny Stanley (20)
Leading possession winner: Gary Ablett (605)
Played every game: Jared Brennan, Jarrod Harbrow, Danny Stanley
Debutants: David Swallow (21 games), Trent McKenzie (21), Zac Smith (20), Dion Prestia (17), Karmichael Hunt (16), Mav Weller (15), Matt Shaw (15), Harley Bennell (14), Tom Lynch (13), Seb Tape (13), Brandon Matera (12), Luke Russell (11), Charlie Dixon (10), Steven May (nine), Josh Toy (eight), Rory Thompson (eight), Joel Wilkinson (seven), Daniel Gorringe (seven), Sam Day (seven), Hayden Jolly (six), Jack Hutchins (six), Joey Daye (four), Rex Liddy (four), Alik Magin (three), Liam Patrick (three), Jeremy Taylor (two), Michael Coad (two), Tom Hickey (two), Josh Caddy (two), Tom Nichols (one), Marc Lock (one), Joel Tippett (one), Taylor Hine (one), Jacob Gillbee (one)
Stats leaders
Toyota AFL Dream Team: Gary Ablett (2096)
Kicks: Gary Ablett (304)
Handballs: Gary Ablett (301)
Marks: Nathan Bock (139)
Hit-outs: Zac Smith (327)
Clearances: Gary Ablett (133)
Contested possessions: Gary Ablett (295)
Uncontested possessions: Gary Ablett (318)
NAB AFL Rising Star nominees
Brandon Matera (round five)
Zac Smith (round seven)
David Swallow (round 14)
Trent McKenzie (round 17)
List manager
The GC SUNS showed they have most pieces in place but things will just take time. They need to develop one tall defender to complement Nathan Bock and release Campbell Brown to play on smaller forwards. Targeting one or two mature players could be in order after the handful of senior players took on an incredible workload.
Games that shaped a season
Rd 2: Carlton 26.15 (171) d Gold Coast 7.10 (52)
After having the round one bye, Gold Coast debuted with a thud more than a bang against the Blues at the Gabba. Carlton kicked nine goals in the first quarter and was ruthless all night. Charlie Dixon had the distinction of kicking the GC SUNS first ever goal.
Rd 5: Gold Coast 15.14 (104) d Port Adelaide 15.11 (101)
After three hidings to start their season, questions were raised whether the GC SUNS would win a game. They answered them in the most dramatic circumstances, coming from 40 points behind late in the third quarter to snatch a three-point victory with a thrilling last term.
Rd 6: Essendon 31.11 (197) d Gold Coast 8.10 (58)
Just eight days after their emotional first win, the GC SUNS dished up their worst performance of the season. Essendon kicked a League record 15 first-quarter goals and did not relent. It was an inept performance that the GC SUNS would not repeat.
Rd 7: Gold Coast 18.16 (124) d Brisbane Lions 17.14 (116)
The rollercoaster continued with an upset win over the Lions. After verbal barbs from both teams in the build-up, it was former Lion Jared Brennan who had the last laugh, winning the Marcus Ashcroft Medal and guiding Gold Coast home. Nathan Krakouer and Liam Patrick filled the highlights reel with some spectacular play.
Rd 10: Geelong 21.13 (139) d Gold Coast 10.13 (73)
The opening of Metricon Stadium was not quite a fairytale for the home team, but it gave fans a glimpse into the future. Gold Coast stunned the unbeaten Cats to lead by 11 points at half-time before wilting after the break. Who will ever forget Karmichael Hunt's first AFL goal from 55m?
What went right
It was always going to be a season for unearthing talent, but the GC SUNS would be rapt with their senior players. Captain Gary Ablett exceeded expectations, as did deputy Bock, while Brennan and Michael Rischitelli also shone. The GC SUNS were exciting with the unearthing of Zac Smith, the long bombs of McKenzie and the class of Swallow. Gold Coast also made a big imprint in the local market, getting plenty of quality media coverage and regularly outdrawing NRL neighbours the Titans.
What went wrong
For a team that many expected would struggle to win a game, it was hard to point the finger at anything wrong in Gold Coast's first season. The immature bodies of most of the squad meant the GC SUNS rarely put four good quarters together. Fans will tolerate not winning in the club's first season, but Gold Coast supporters have shown to be fickle in all sporting codes and if the Suns don't chalk up some home wins next season they may walk out quickly.
Critical moment
Although defeating Port Adelaide got the monkey off the back, winning against the Lions gave Gold Coast credibility in the Queensland market. In such a competitive region, where four football codes have presence, the GC SUNS showed they were a serious player. It ensured all future QClash match-ups would have an edge to them.
Most valuable player
Gary Ablett came to the club as a two-time premiership player and Brownlow medallist yet has enhanced his reputation this season. Despite the close attention of every opponent, Ablett was dynamite in the midfield, averaging 31 disposals. Add in his outstanding leadership and work in the community and Ablett has been worth every dollar the Suns paid.
Coach's pet
Danny Stanley came to the GC SUNS after four years in the Collingwood system with just five games to show. 'Bull' was a revelation, playing forward for most of the year and spending the odd stint in the middle. He was tough, dependable and skilful - a coach's dream.
Next big thing
Smith has been playing Australian Rules for just five years and despite getting tired late in the season, his combination of size, agility and skill would make most big men envious. With No. 1 draft pick Swallow also having a stellar season, the pair form a mouth-watering combination for the future.
Needs a big pre-season
Although many of his uncontracted mates enjoyed excellent campaigns, one man who struggled was Nathan Krakouer. Aside from a sizzling performance in the win over the Lions, Krakouer struggled and was leap-frogged by a number of rookies. Needs to work hard to retain a spot next season.
Trading places
With so many young players playing just one season and the senior men excelling, it is unlikely the GC SUNS will be looking to trade. They are likely to wait another season to see who does and does not develop and just what areas they are deficient in before they hit the trade table.
What they said
"You just don't know when the belief is going to come with these young kids, but I can now see flickers. We have to learn to work both ways for four quarters. I'd say we played 60 minutes of men's football and we couldn't sustain it." Coach Guy McKenna after the round 18 loss against Collingwood
In a nutshell
The GC SUNS were exciting in patches and poor in others which is just what you'd expect from a young team. Three wins was a pass but more will be expected in 2012.
Overall grade: B-
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
