Gold Coast hasn’t tasted September action yet but 2018 still holds promise

IN THE immortal words of D:Ream, things can only get better. That’s the mantra that Gold Coast must hold dear in 2018 as they look to climb the ladder under new coach Stuart Dew.

Tom Lynch’s future at Gold Coast remains clouded.

IN THE immortal words of D:Ream, things can only get better.

After a horror season, it’s safe to say the Suns will be looking to improve in their eighth season in the competition.

They managed just six wins and finished 17th in 2017, but the rays are slowing peeking through the clouds.

Here’s the eight reasons why the Suns can believe 2018 will be brighter.

Gold Coast Suns will be looking to improve on their six win in 2017.

THINGS … CAN ONLY GET BETTER

It’s safe to say that 2017 was a year to forget for the Suns, with the team recording just six wins, coach Rodney Eade shown the door and skipper and marquee midfielder Gary Ablett requesting a trade to Geelong at the end of the season. But, the only way is up.

NEW COACH

Is change as good as a holiday? It often is but we’ll soon find out, with Stuart Dew taking the reins following the departure of Rodney Eade. One of his first moves was to blast stereos at every training session. With the youngest and second least-experienced list at his disposal, Dew will be hoping he can get the team marching to a different – and more successful – beat.

New Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew gets involved at training.

LYNCH MOB

Co-skipper Tom Lynch is an out-and-out superstar who is primed to dominate next season. He is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of next season, with speculation he could want to return to Victoria at the end of the year. The Suns will be desperate to keep him as he continues to go from strength to strength, and should again in 2018.

WELLER-HEELED

The Suns didn’t exactly get former Docker Lachie Weller at a Boxing Day sale price, paying full whack for the 21-year-old who declared he wanted to be in red and yellow in 2018. He has the ability and has been touted as a future leader at the club – which are much-needed on the coast - with the coach saying he could well contribute for the next decade.

Will Tom Lynch still be a Sun in 2019?

Lachie Weller arrived from Fremantle. Picture: Richard Gosling

TIME TO STEP UP

It’s been seven seasons, with the Suns still yet to see September action. There’s no magic pill for success, but it’s time the Suns showed what they stand for. And this is a prime opportunity. With Gary Ablett now gone, the Suns – led by Lynch and Steven May – will have to step up and fill the void.

THINK OF THE FF MILES

Well, we’re looking on the bright side, after all. The Commonwealth Games is set to descend on the Gold Coast, meaning the Suns won’t host a home game until Round 8 – at the Gabba, no less. The first game at Metricon Stadium won’t come until Round 11. But think of the frequent flyer miles, with a trip to Shanghai thrown in there, too. Hope they’ve got some good noise-cancelling headphones.

ON THE DEFENCE

The Suns have started laying much-needed defensive foundations. After conceding the second-most points in the competition in 2017, Dew has put a primary focus on defence so far this preseason and says it should allow the side to “attack from a better position on the ground” and provide better opportunities for forwards.

HE’S ALL-WRIGHT

Big man Peter Wright has the ammunition to consolidate his 31-goal season. His last two seasons have shown plenty of promise and he has developed steadily and cleaned up his marking which Suns assistant coach Ashley Prescott had conceded was a shortcoming. Another year of experience did him good and it could be a huge year for “two-metre”.