Gold Coast Suns list analysis: Every player’s contract status and likely future
Izak Rankine is unlikely to be the only Gold Coast player on the move this off-season as rivals eye several fringe Suns with big upside. See who your club could go after in the trade period.
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The deal allowed the Suns to rookie list 10 players – up from the six available to other teams – while also handing them exclusive Academy Zone access to the Northern Territory, and the ability to pre-list Academy products prior to the national draft.
The likes of Connor Budarick, Alex Davies and Joel Jeffrey all joined the club through this pre-draft process.
But with the Suns seemingly on the rise those concessions will go under the microscope, with the club and AFL to meet and decide on whether or not it will continue into 2023.
If the club’s rookie list is cut back to six, that immediately puts four players on the chopping block even before any further player movement throughout the draft and trade periods.
All of this sets an intriguing backdrop on Gold Coast’s off-season and how it plays out will be drastically affected by the AFL’s decision to hold or push on the assistance package.
The club will be eager to learn of its fate as soon as possible so that it can start making list moves.
On the field there is no doubt the Suns improved in 2022. The club equalled its best-ever wins record, set a new benchmark for percentage and was still in finals contention a month out from the end of the season.
The wheels began to fall off as the campaign wound down but that in large part can be contributed to the club’s significant injury woes, particularly in defensive 50.
Off-field the Suns enjoyed a near-perfect season, with the re-signing of senior coach Stuart Dew while also locking down the likes of Ben King, Jack Lukosius and Lachie Weller with fresh deals.
The club announced a record membership figure of more than 21,000 which represents an 84 per cent growth since 2017.
The impending loss of Izak Rankine, who requested a trade home to Adelaide, is one of the few dark spots on an otherwise promising season at Carrara.
But Gold Coast’s unwillingness to be brought into a bidding war with the Crows for the small forward’s services shows it has a clear focus on the future and plan for success.
That plan will rely heavily on locking down young midfielders Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell next season.
The Victorian pair both come out of contract at the end of 2023 and signing the, to long-term extensions will be vital to the Suns’ finals prospects moving forward.
Gold Coast List Review
1. Mabior Chol (Key Forward)
Age: 25
Games: 53
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Average
Chol had to take on a bigger role than originally anticipated due to the injury absence of Ben King and he has more than impressed. The 25 year old still has some consistency concerns but he has shown on more than one occasion this season he can turn a game on its head. Finished as the club’s leading goalkicker with 44 on the season.
2. Rory Atkins (Winger)
Age: 28
Games: 118
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Short of significant injuries it is hard to see Atkins getting a look in the senior team next season. His contract raised eyebrows when it was announced and the further we get through it, the more head scratching it looks. With younger players like Jeremy Sharp and now Elijah Hollands already preferred over him, this looks like money sunk for the Suns.
3. Jack Bowes (Defender)
Age: 24
Games: 83
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Average
Bowes started the season with a shoulder injury and he was restricted to just five AFL games before returning to the VFL. He has flourished there averaging more than 25 disposals per game. Though worrying for Bowes that he was unable to crack the senior team despite the Suns’ injury woes in the defensive 50, the Queenslander is still young enough and with plenty of upside.
4. Brandon Ellis (Winger)
Age: 29
Games: 231
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Elite
Ellis has given the Suns exactly what they needed when he was recruited from Richmond. He doubled his scoring output from 2021 and has stood up in important moments when needed. Ellis finished eighth in the club best and fairest and was one of only four Suns players to end the season ranked elite in their position according to Champion Data.
5. Alex Davies (Mid-Forward)
Age: 20
Games: 16
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Injury hampered Davies’ breakout season but there is still plenty of excitement and expectation about the local product. The Suns will lock him down beyond his current contract and look to mould him into a big-bodied midfielder of the future.
6. Alex Sexton (Forward)
Age: 28
Games: 158
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Poor
The fan favourite of years past struggled to get a game in 2022 with the Suns’ retooled forward line. With Ainsworth coming on and King to return next season it could be even harder for Sexton to find his place in this team moving forward. Recalled for the final round of the season, Sexton booted a career-high six goals. With Izak Rankine off to Adelaide next season, Sexton could be given another chance in the forward 50. But forwards coach Brad Miller values tackling pressure and Sexton cannot offer that. Could be one that looks elsewhere, with his contract set to expire at the end of 2023.
7. Nick Holman (Forward)
Age: 27
Games: 91
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
Holman enjoyed a career-best year having finally overcome his debilitating lower back problems. Part of the leadership group and a favourite of forwards coach Brad Miller as well as his fellow goalsneaks, it would be a surprise if Holman isn’t offered a contract extension beyond his current 2023 deal.
8. Brayden Fiorini (Wing)
Age: 25
Games: 76
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Average
Fiorini and the Suns have decisions to make about the 25 year old’s future, with his contract up from the end of next season. He is Champion Data’s top-ranked player in the VFL, averaging 36 disposals and 9.2 score involvements over five games in the twos this year. But that form hasn’t translated to the AFL, and Dew looks to prefer others through the midfield. He’s one that could field some trade interest.
9. Ben Ainsworth (Forward)
Age: 24
Games: 96
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Elite
Ainsworth enjoyed a career-best year in 2022. Consistency was his greatest asset, at one point kicking at least one goal in 10 of 11 games through the middle of the season. One of the most important pieces to the Suns forward line entering 2023, particularly now that Rankine is leaving.
10. Charlie Ballard (Key Defender)
Age: 23
Games: 87
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Average
It was a breakout season for the young key defender, who quietly put in a fantastic campaign before going down with a knee injury a month out from the finish. He and Sam Collins are two defensive pillars to build around moving forward.
11. Touk Miller (Midfielder)
Age: 26
Games: 160
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2027 season
CD Ranking: Elite
Another All-Australian season from the co-captain, who continues to establish himself as one of the premiere midfielders and two-way runners in the game. He signed on a long-term deal and has continued to excel with the added responsibility. All going as expected he will be there to lead the Suns out for their maiden finals appearance over the next few seasons, whenever that may be.
12. Sam Day (Key Forward)
Age: 29
Games: 147
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Average
With King set to return from injury and Casboult’s form likely to earn him a one-year extension, Day’s place in the side is up in the air. The inaugural Sun’s career-best output is just four goals and he hasn’t kicked more than three in a game since 2016. If he and the club do agree to a contract extension beyond 2023 it’s unlikely to be worth much. Could he get more elsewhere? Hard to say entering his age-30 season.
13. Jack Lukosius (Key Forward)
Age: 23
Games: 73
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2026 season
CD Ranking: Average
Lukosius extended to the end of 2026 midway through the season. We didn’t see his best in 2022 due to injury but when fit is clearly best-22 and in Dew’s long-term plans. A Swiss Army knife of a player capable of being moved all over the ground, he’s an incredibly valuable asset at still just 23 years of age.
14. Lachie Weller (Defender)
Age: 26
Games: 127
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2026 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
Weller was enjoying a career-best campaign before he was cruelled by the Suns’ defensive ACL curse midway through the season. Still, the Queenslander’s growth was rewarded with an extension to the end of 2026. If he can return from injury in a similar vein of form to that of 2022, the Suns have a quality ball runner and user at their disposal going forward.
15. Noah Anderson (Midfielder)
Age: 21
Games: 58
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
Finishing runner-up to Touk Miller in the club best and fairest is nothing to sneeze at. Anderson truly established himself as a midfielder of the future this season, averaging 26 disposals per game. He and Matt Rowell are up for contract renewal next year and the Suns will be doing everything in their power to keep their pair on long-term deals. This is likely why the club was unwilling to budge on its offer to Izak Rankine, knowing Anderson and Rowell form the core of a midfield with Miller that could lead the Suns to finals in coming years.
16. Rory Thompson (Key Defender)
Age: 31
Games: 106
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Rotten luck followed the veteran defender when he went down with injury soon after making his long-awaited AFL comeback. Thompson finished the season in the VFL and looks little more than a depth player at this stage of his career, with the likes of Collins and Ballard passing him on the depth chart and 2021 draftee Mac Andrew preferred late in the season.
17. Oleg Markov (Defender)
Age: 26
Games: 49
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Average
The ex-Tigers man is an interesting case as he comes off-contract. With the Suns reportedly putting a three-year deal in front of Dogs speedster Jason Johannisen, Markov could be a surprise list casualty after just two years on the Gold Coast. After just 11 games in 2022 despite the Suns’ significant injuries at the position, Markov finds himself in a similar position to that which saw him request a trade from Richmond. His line-breaking pace is a valuable asset but it’s his disposal which lets him down on occasion.
18. Matt Rowell (Midfielder)
Age: 21
Games: 39
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Average
Rowell played every game in 2022 after an injury-hit first two seasons. The former No. 1 pick’s potential is unquestioned, though he struggles to compile the disposals that other elite-level midfielders do. Averaging just 18.5 disposals per game this season, Rowell’s contested footy and tackling pressure is off the charts but if there’s one knock on his game, it’s being more damaging with more touches. If he can find that in 2023, the Suns midfield could be one of the best in the business. Like Anderson, locking Rowell down early will be one of the club’s foremost concerns next year.
19. Josh Corbett (Key Forward)
Age: 26
Games: 36
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Just four games for as many goals in 2022, Corbett will find it even harder to get a nod next season with the return of King to the forward 50. He has shown enough as a capable depth key forward to earn a contract extension but is he one that could look elsewhere – perhaps a return home to Victoria? Hard to know what the market would be on a 39-game player with 33 career goals.
20. Jeremy Sharp (Winger)
Age: 21
Games: 23
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Sharp doubled his career games played this season but consistency was an issue for the young West Australian. His two-goal, 19 disposal game against the Eagles late in the season showed what he is capable of when up and about. Unfortunately the four-disposal display a fortnight later against Geelong also showed his floor. With plenty of competition for that wing role moving forward, 2023 looks like a make-or-break for Sharp.
21. James Tsitas (Mid-Forward)
Age: 27
Games: 1
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Tsitas has toiled hard for years and finally got his AFL chance against Collingwood midway through the season. He’s performed well in the VFL but it’s hard to see the Suns keeping the 27 year old on the books, especially if the club’s list size is cut down ahead of next year.
22. Izak Rankine (Forward)
Age: 22
Games: 48
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
We know now that Rankine will move to Adelaide for 2023 and beyond. It came as a bitter blow to the Suns, who had just started to see all the club’s hard work bear fruit in Rankine. He will leave a hole inside forward 50 for sure. But that the Suns refused to enter a bidding war for the youngster’s services shows the club has matured from the days of losing star players at regular intervals.
23. Sean Lemmens (Defender)
Age: 27
Games: 134
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
A no-nonsense contributor in the defensive 50, Lemmens was moved into the Suns leadership group in 2022 and holds great respect among the players. The South Australian is no standout but he’s a reliable best-22 option.
24. David Swallow (Fwd-Midfielder)
Age: 29
Games: 197
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Average
Swallow became the Suns’ games record holder this season and ended 2022 third in the club best and fairest. Was one of his most important seasons to date, being moved all over the ground by Stuart Dew due to the mounting injury toll. But Swallow’s best work came in the middle and he remains a crucial piece in the best-22.
25. Sam Collins (Key Defender)
Age: 28
Games: 81
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Average
Another top-five club best and fairest finish for the key defender, who remains the club’s premiere option at the position. Played every game this season in what was arguably a career-best campaign from the 28 year old.
26. Sam Flanders (Mid-Forward)
Age: 21
Games: 30
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Flanders joins Fiorini as a curious case over the off-season. The No. 11 pick in the 2019 draft has struggled for opportunity on the Gold Coast. He strung senior games together in the back half of the year but averaged less than 11 disposals. It’s hard to see how the Victorian breaks into the team next year in the final year of his contract. If that happens, his draft pedigree could attract interest from Victorian clubs willing to take a flyer on a young player.
27. Wil Powell (Defender)
Age: 23
Games: 69
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Average
The young running defender was on track for another dependable season before the ACL injury curse hit against the Crows in round 14. If the Suns add Jason Johannisen to the mix as has been reported, the club suddenly has an embarrassment of riches at the position for 2023. Powell is good enough to nail down a best-22 spot once he gets his knee right.
28. Jarrod Witts (Ruckman)
Age: 29
Games: 144
Home State: New South Wales
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Elite
If Witts was rucking for a team in Victoria he would get the plaudits he deserves. Has played every game this season coming off a knee injury in 2021 and has been one of the Suns’ most important players. The club has some young talent in Ned Moyle waiting in the wings but the skipper should still have some good years in him. Unlucky not to be named All Australian.
29. Chris Burgess (Key Forward)
Age: 26
Games: 35
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Poor
The South Australian has had limited opportunities at AFL level but continues to excel in the VFL, where he has kicked more than 60 goals this season. Another key tall who offers great depth at the position, Burgess should get an extension offer from the Suns. Forward needy teams could come knocking given he is off-contract.
30. Levi Casboult (Key Forward)
Age: 32
Games: 175
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Casboult wasn’t expected to play as big a role when he arrived at the Suns but after King went down, the ex-Blue stood up in a big way. Had a career-best output with 35 goals and will earn himself another year on the Gold Coast even with King’s return.
31. Mac Andrew (Key Defender)
Age: 18
Games: 4
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to the end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
The Suns took a slow and steady approach with the No. 5 pick in the 2021 national draft before unleashing him after Ballard went down with injury. Showed flashes of his freak athleticism in four games to end the year and will be much better for the experience entering year two in the AFL. One to be excited about for Suns fans.
32. Bodhi Uwland (Defender – Rookie)
Age: 19
Games: 0
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Nil
The Suns Academy product was taken as a draft preselection by the Suns last year but has struggled with a lower back injury throughout 2022. He was the Suns’ 2021 Academy Player of the Year. Hasn’t had a fair run at it and should be given a contract extension, unless the extent of the injury makes the club look elsewhere.
33. Charlie Constable (Midfielder)
Age: 23
Games: 14
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Where is the Charlie Constable that flashed such potential for Geelong in 2019? He simply has no place in the Suns’ senior set-up unless the midfield is ravaged by injuries.
34: Ben King (Key Forward)
Age: 22
Games: 53
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Nil
King going down in pre-season was a massive blow to the Suns, who endured worse injury luck than almost any other team in 2022. His rehab has gone smoothly and the club’s spearhead should be ready to roll by round 1 next year.
35. Connor Budarick (Defender)
Age: 21
Games: 26
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Average
Another defender to succumb to a knee injury this season, Budarick was proving himself a capable starter at AFL level this season. The local product is highly regarded at the club and will hope to return to form next year.
36. Elijah Hollands (Midfielder)
Age: 20
Games: 5
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
Injury forced the 2020 No. 7 selection to bide his time before getting an AFL chance and he took it with both hands when presented. Hollands kicked two goals on debut in a QClash and averaged 17 disposals in his five-game cameo to end the season. Like Mac Andrew, this small sample size will give Hollands and the club great confidence heading into 2023.
37. Oskar Faulkhead (Midfielder – Rookie)
Age: 19
Games: 0
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Nil
The Suns’ mid-season rookie selection has stayed in the VFL since arriving on the Gold Coast. Though hardly setting the world alight in the reserves, he will probably be offered a one-year extension given his youth. If the Suns lose list spots for next season that could make the conversation over Faulkhead more interesting.
38. Rhys Nicholls (Defender)
Age: 19
Games: 0
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Nil
Yet to play a senior game, Nicholls found himself in headlines this season after being fined $5,000 for betting on AFL matches. In 17 VFL games this season the defender has averaged 13.9 disposals and 3.6 intercept possessions. Still young and plenty of growth opportunities to come, but seemingly a long way off an AFL start.
40. Joel Jeffrey (Key Forward)
Age: 20
Games: 9
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Average
Five goals against the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat signalled Jeffrey as a player with enormous potential. Kicked eight goals in five games before going down with a season-ending meniscus injury in his right knee. How he can integrate into the Suns forward line with a full season under his belt will be an exciting thought for fans.
41. Malcolm Rosas Jr (Forward)
Age: 21
Games: 19
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Average
Rosas Jr enjoyed a breakout AFL campaign playing 15 games and booting 14 goals. His tackling pressure inside 50 is immense, as shown by his eight tackles against Geelong in round 22. With Izak Rankine leaving for the Crows, expectation will increase for Rosas to hit the scoreboard more regularly. Has the ability to be just about anything.
42. Patrick Murtagh (Key Defender)
Age: 22
Games: 0
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Nil
All the athletic traits in the world but hasn’t been able to put it together for an AFL start. Averaged just 8 disposals in the VFL this season. Athletic key defenders are hard to come by so his traits may earn him another contract. Hard to say until the AFL rules on the Suns’ available list spots for 2023.
43. Jez Mclennan (Defender)
Age: 21
Games: 0
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Nil
One has to feel McLennan’s time at the club may finally be running out having not yet received an opportunity at AFL level in his four years on the Gold Coast, even with all the injuries the Suns endured in defensive 50 this season. If the list spots are cut down McLennan could be one of the first casualties, given that he was delisted and re-added as a rookie at the end of last season.
44. Darcy Macpherson (Forward)
Age: 24
Games: 72
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Fought his way back into the team from round 19 and played out the year, managing 10 games in total. Failed to hit the scoreboard but offered the kind of tackling pressure that is highly regarded at the club. Unless something changes Macpherson is unlikely to be a best-22 regular when all players are fully fit, but he is a more than capable replacement option.
45. Sandy Brock (Key Defender)
Age: 19
Games: 0
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Nil
The young tall is still building his resume playing against men in the VFL. Developed as the year went on and had his best game of the season against Box Hill in round 23, with 15 disposals and 8 marks, as the Suns stole into the top eight. One for the future.
46. Caleb Graham (Key Defender)
Age: 21
Games: 37
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Did his job as a third key defender this season, though will battle with Mac Andrew for that role once Ballard returns. Doesn’t offer the intercept marking ability of a Ballard or Collins, but at 21 and plenty versatile, Graham should be extended beyond his current contract.
47. Paul Hewago Oea (Forward – Rookie)
Age: 20
Games: 5
Home State: PNG / Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
The PNG product was a heartwarming story when he got his AFL debut against Collingwood in round 16. But he has hardly set the world on fire in his five games since. Went in and out of the team at the back half of the year and is another who could be in the firing line should the list size be cut. Rankine’s departure may help him stay.
48. Matt Conroy (Ruck – Rookie)
Age: 21
Games: 0
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2022 season
CD Ranking: Nil
Rucks don’t grow on trees, particularly homegrown ones. Conroy hasn’t gotten an AFL start yet since being added as a rookie in 2019 Stands 199cm and boasts a great vertical leap but still raw. Behind Ned Moyle in the ruck pecking order at the club.
49. Ned Moyle (Ruck – Rookie)
Age: 20
Games: 0
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Nil
A former rookie draft selection, Moyle flashed his promise in pre-season and has built an impressive ruck resume in the VFL since. Rated very highly at the club, Moyle is next in line after Jarrod Witts. The Suns only playing one ruckman has obviously limited his opportunities at AFL level, but it will come.
50. Jy Farrar (Defender)
Age: 25
Games: 25
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Played 14 games in 2022 in what was an up-and-down season for the third-year Sun. The Halls Creek product stands 191cm and has great pace for a player his size. Has the tools to take his game to another level and will hope to do so heading into a contract year.
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