Suns AFLW crystal ball: The Bulletin runs the rule over the Suns and makes our 2020 predictions

As the Suns prepare to make their AFLW debut, the Bulletin has pulled out our crystal ball and made our predictions for the season ahead. From starting 21, to the best and fairest winner, how the Suns will go and the headlines you will and won’t see, we cover it all in our season preview.

As the Suns prepare to make their AFLW debut, the Bulletin has pulled out our crystal ball and made our predictions for the season ahead. From starting 21, to the best and fairest winner, how the Suns will go and the headlines you will and won’t see, we cover it all in our season preview.

Head coach David Lake during a Gold Coast Suns AFLW training session on February 04, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Overview

Coach: David Lake

Captains: Sam Virgo and Leah Kaslar

Star recruits: Leah Kaslar, Sam Virgo, Jamie Stanton, Tiarna Ernst

2020 opponents: Greater Western Sydney (a), Richmond (h), Brisbane (h), North Melbourne (a), Geelong (h), West Coast (a), Adelaide (h), Melbourne (a).

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Predicted round one line up:

B: Lauren Ahrens, Jade Pregelj, Sam Virgo

HB: Serene Watson, Jordann Hickey

C: Tiarna Ernst, Jacqui Yorston, Kalinda Howarth

HF: Jasmyn Hewett, Paige Parker

FF: Brittany Perry, Leah Kaslar, Alexia Hamilton

FOLL: Lauren Bella, Jamie Stanton, Hannah Dunn

INT: Kate Surman, Molly Ritson, Tayla Thorn, Sally Riley, Cheyenne Hammond

Serene Watson during a Gold Coast Suns AFLW training session on February 04, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Best and fairest: A 2017 AFLW All-Australian, we’re backing Sam Virgo to return to the peak of her powers in 2020 and claim the Suns inaugural best and fairest gong. Now 32, Virgo missed the entire 2018 season after rupturing her ACL and they say it takes a full year to regain confidence in your body. So to conclude, it’s Virgo season.

Sam Virgo in action against St Kilda during a practice game at Fankhauser Reserve. Picture credit: Jessy Hart

Rising star: With under 18 priority signings Ellie Hampson and Kitara Whapp-Farrar sidelined for the first few games of the year, Serene Watson will be the Suns’ best rising star chance. A dual-All Australian, the defender boasts great hands and a trusty kick out of defence.

Serene Watson during a Gold Coast Suns AFLW training session on February 04, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Surprise packet: Brittany Perry is out to make up for lost time at the Suns. A GWS Giant last year, Perry was delisted after four games and has impressed this pre-season with her knowledge of the game and knack for finding the goals. Don’t be surprised to see her leading the Suns’ goal kicking tally at season end.

Brittany Perry during a Gold Coast Suns AFLW training session on February 04, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Watch it: Grab a pen and circle February 15. Though they will spend their first weekend away in Sydney, the Suns return to Queensland will be glorious. First home game, a pumping Metricon Stadium, and coming up against fellow expansion club and footy powerhouse Richmond…tick, tick, tick.

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You heard it here first…the headline you’ll see this AFLW season: “Metricon erupts! Leah Kaslar kicks three goals to lead Suns to victory over her old-side Brisbane in inaugural QClash.”

Gold Coast Suns Captain Leah Kasler during the AFLW captains launch event at the John Medley Building in Melbourne, Tuesday, February 4, 2020. (AAP Image/Natasha Morello) NO ARCHIVING

I hope not…the headline you won’t see this AFLW season: “Winless: More heartache for Gold Coast footy fans as expansion club fails to land a blow in first season.”

AFLW COUNTDOWN: LEAH KASLAR

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 04: Jade Pregelj during a Gold Coast Suns AFLW training session on February 04, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

2020 prediction: It’s hard to predict how a new club will fare but in our opinion, the Suns will be competitive but fail to make finals. They have the talent to stretch most teams but lack the synergy of their competitors who have had three seasons to gel. We’ve already seen how much they’ve improved in the pre-season so expect them to peak later in the season as they get to test their run and gun game plan in a competitive environment.

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