Gold Coast’s top draft trio in mix for Round 1

Gold Coast is entering a new era in 2019 and the Suns’ top three picks in last year’s draft are all in serious contention for a Round 1 berth against St Kilda.

Izak Rankine at Gold Coast training. Picture: Getty Images

Gold Coast’s top three picks in last year’s draft are all in serious contention for a Round 1 berth against St Kilda.

Helping kickstart a new era for the Suns, marking target Jack Lukosius (pick No.2) and livewire Izak Rankine (pick No.3) are both pushing to play in the season-opener at Marvel Stadium after excellent pre-seasons.

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Rankine was rated by some recruiters as the most talented player in last year’s draft for his freakish goal sense and game-breaking qualities in the forward 50m.

Lukosius was also highly rated for his polish and versatility across half forward, however the first-year goal kicker will continue to build his frame to withstand the punishing physicality of AFL.

Full-back Ben King (pick No.6) has also impressed in match simulation and is in the frame, but faces stiff competition from teammates Jack Hombsch and Rory Thompson for a key defensive spot.

Ben King, Izak Rankine and Jack Lukosius are in line for Round 1. Picture: Getty Images

King’s twin brother Max, who was taken pick No.4 by St Kilda, is recovering from a knee reconstruction and won’t be available for selection in the early part of the season.

The Suns are thrilled with the development of all three youngsters who will be unleashed against Brisbane in Saturday’s practice match at Metricon Stadium.

It heralds a new chapter for the club after co-captains Tom Lynch and Steve May departed in the exchange period, effectively forcing the Suns to start over.

Crucial contract discussions with South Australian pair Rankine and Lukosius and Sandringham’s King are also expected to kick-off in the next month or two.

The Suns are desperate to keep their next wave of gun youngsters after a wave of departures in recent years depleted Gold Coast’s list.

But Gold Coast does not want to have to overpay its young players as a way to chain them to the club, but rather provide an elite environment to help them flourish on and off the field.