With round one approaching, AFL.com.au reporters have had a stab at picking their best 22 for the season opener for every club, leaving out those players who are injured, suspended or will miss due to poor form.
Not a lot of places that need explaining in a relatively settled SUNS lineup.
Jack Bowes and Ben Ainsworth have done enough to earn their debuts, while the four mature midfielders – Pearce Hanley, Jarryd Lyons, Michael Barlow and Jarrod Witts – are also certainties.
The most difficult decision was the back pocket, but the disciplined nature of Sean Lemmens' lockdown defence should be enough to get him the start. Jarrod Harbrow will force his way back into the 22 after a couple of practice matches to overcome his ankle surgery, while Brayden Fiorini and Will Brodie are knocking on the door.
Gold Coast SUNS v Brisbane Lions, Metricon Stadium
Saturday, March 25, 7.05pm AEST
B: Kade Kolodjashnij, Steven May, Sean Lemmens
HB: Jack Bowes, Rory Thompson, Adam Saad
C: Alex Sexton, Touk Miller, Pearce Hanley
HF: Michael Barlow, Tom Lynch, Jack Martin
F: Ben Ainsworth, Peter Wright, Callum Ah Chee
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Gary Ablett, Aaron Hall
I/C: Jarryd Lyons, David Swallow, Matt Rosa, Jesse Joyce
New faces: Ben Ainsworth, Michael Barlow, Jack Bowes, Pearce Hanley, Jarryd Lyons, Jarrod Witts
Missing with injury/suspension: Sam Day (hip, season), Jarrod Harbrow (ankle, NEAFL), Michael Rischitelli (ACL, 6-8 weeks)
