AFL 2023 list analysis: Every Gold Coast Suns player’s contract status, future analysed
Incoming Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick says 80 per cent of a premiership-winning list is already at the club. We run the rule over every player’s 2023 season. See where all 48 Suns are at.
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Incoming head coach Damien Hardwick will take the reins on the Gold Coast next season tasked with steering the Suns to a long-awaited maiden finals berth.
Hardwick led Richmond to eight finals series and three flags in 14 seasons at Punt Rd and is considered one of the greatest coaches of the modern era.
He built the Tigers from the ground up, transforming them from perennial underperformer to one of the most feared sides in recent history.
Three premierships in four years underlined his coaching credentials and ability to get the best out of a list that some felt outperformed its standing on paper.
But how will Hardwick approach this latest challenge on the Gold Coast?
The Suns once again faltered in the run home and finished the campaign with nine wins - one less than in 2022.
Hardwick says 80 per cent of the Suns’ maiden premiership side is already on the list, so we ran the rule over every player’s output in season 2023 and you can decide who should stay and who goes.
GOLD COAST LIST ANALYSIS 1-48
MABIOR CHOL (Key Forward) | Age: 26
Games: 61 (8)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Gold Coast’s leading goal kicker in 2022 played just eight senior games this season after being squeezed out of the forward line by the return of Ben King and emergence of Jack Lukosius as a full time forward. Despite the lack of opportunity, Chol appears eager to remain at the club and fight for his place in the team with the arrival of his former Richmond coach.
RORY ATKINS (Winger) | Age: 29
Games: 135 (17)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Average
Oft-maligned since his arrival on the Gold Coast, Atkins broke out in the back-half of the season. He managed to shed the substitute vest and averaged 28 disposals under interim coach Steven King – his best numbers since the 2019 season at Adelaide.
SAM FLANDERS (Midfielder) | Age: 22
Games: 44 (14)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
Flanders’ form has become the good news story for the Suns in the wake of Stuart Dew’s sacking. The boy from Fish Creek was arguably their best player since his return to the senior side in round 15 and the club will be keen to tie him down to a fresh deal. Averaged 30-plus disposals and five clearances over a scintillating stretch to close out the season.
BRANDON ELLIS (Winger) | Age: 30
Games: 247 (16)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
Ellis responded well to being dropped mid-season and played his usual consistent role since returning to the senior side in round 15. Did not average the same numbers from 2022 – arguably a career-best campaign – but was reliable on a wing and across halfback. Another who thrived at Richmond under Hardwick.
ALEX DAVIES (Midfielder) | Age: 21
Games: 25 (9)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Average
There was plenty of hype around the big-bodied Davies entering last season but the local product has taken longer than expected to blossom. Has struggled to find opportunities in the senior side this year, playing just nine games, though he looked impressive with 22 touches and a goal in the final round against North Melbourne. Can Hardwick get the best out of him?
ALEX SEXTON (General Forward) | Age: 29
Games: 166 (8)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Poor
The former AFL regular has been pushed out of the senior side in the past two seasons, playing just 12 games in that span. Was recalled for round 23 against Carlton after the injury to Nick Holman. Has been put on notice that his tackle pressure needs to improve if he is to force his way back into the AFL side.
NICK HOLMAN (General Forward) | Age: 28
Games: 110 (19)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
It is understood Holman and the club quietly negotiated a contract extension that will tie him to the Suns until the end of 2024. Even without that, there was no way the Suns would have let one of their favourites slip. Holman’s remit is tackle pressure and he leads by example on that front each and every week.
BRAYDEN FIORINI (Midfielder) | Age: 25
Games: 93 (17)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Average
The curious case of Fiorini continues on, with the ball magnet seemingly unable to nail down a regular starting spot despite his propensity to collect the footy. The emergence of Sam Flanders has not helped in his quest for regular midfield minutes.
BEN AINSWORTH (General Forward) | Age: 25
Games: 117 (21)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Elite
One of only two Suns rated as ‘Elite’ by Champion Data this season, Ainsworth has flourished in his high half forward role. Enjoyed a purple patch of form mid-season that included 11 goals in seven games while averaging almost 20 touches. Could he be Gold Coast’s Toby Greene? That’s the hope.
CHARLIE BALLARD (Key Defender) | Age: 24
Games: 110 (23)
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Average
Has developed into one of the premiere intercept defenders in the AFL and only flies under the radar because he plays his footy on the Gold Coast. Ranked third in the competition for contested marks and second for intercept marks this season despite his form trailing off late in the year. Will still be just 24 by the start of next season and is a defensive piece the Suns can build around.
TOUK MILLER (Midfielder) | Age: 27
Games: 173 (13)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2027 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
Miller missed 10 matches to injury through the middle of the season which hampered what looked to be another All-Australian caliber campaign from the Suns’ skipper. Slowly worked his way back into form on his return and showed his selfless attitude with a pivotal shutdown role on Lachie Neale to help the Suns snap a 10-game QClash losing streak against Brisbane.
SAM DAY (Key Forward) | Age: 30
Games: 150 (3)
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Appeared destined to be stranded on 149 AFL games before a Ben King injury helped Day hit the milestone against the Swans in round 22. The inaugural Sun’s contract is up at the end of the season and with just one goal in three games this year, his future is uncertain.
JACK LUKOSIUS (Key Forward) | Age: 23
Games: 95 (22)
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2026 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
Finally healthy and with a full pre-season under his belt, Lukosius was a revelation inside forward 50 this year. Booted three bags of five goals including a matchwinning display in the upset win over Geelong early in the year. Has added a different dynamic to the Suns’ forward line.
LACHIE WELLER (General Defender) | Age: 27
Games: 136 (9)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2026 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
In arguably the best form of his career before another ACL injury ended his season in July, Weller showed the Suns are a better team with his elite field kicking and dash from half back. Will hopefully recover in time for round one next year.
NOAH ANDERSON (Midfielder) | Age: 22
Games: 81 (23)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2027 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
On track to be the Suns’ best and fairest this season after outpacing almost every metric from his stellar 2022 campaign that landed him just behind Touk Miller in the vote count. His consistency is uber-impressive and having signed a long-term contract extension last year, looks set to be the star of the Suns midfield for years to come.
TOM BERRY (Midfielder) | Age: 22
Games: 26 (6)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Left Brisbane for more opportunity on the Gold Coast but only managed six games in 2023 and most came with the sub vest. Has helped the Suns to premiership contention in the VFL but still looks unlikely at AFL level unless a swath of injuries hit the position.
JED ANDERSON (Midfielder) | Age: 29
Games: 99 (0)
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Nil
Joined the Suns in the off-season but did not feature at AFL level before being granted indefinite leave to return home to the Northern Territory. The former North Melbourne best and fairest winner’s career could be over.
MATT ROWELL (Midfielder) | Age: 22
Games: 62 (23)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
Rowell has moulded himself into the prototypical contested ball bull and taken a similar leap to his partner in crime Anderson this season. Enjoyed a career-best campaign by just about every measure and broke the league record for tackles in a season. The questions over his ability to win the “easy” ball have all but vanished with his consistent output in 2023.
BAILEY HUMPHREY (Mid-Forward) | Age: 18
Games: 19 (19)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2028 season
CD Ranking: Average
Gold Coast handed their first round draft pick a four-year contract extension just 11 games into his career. That says everything that needs to be known about how much they rate the Gippsland product, who had a significant impact both as a midfielder and forward in his debut year.
JEREMY SHARP (Winger) | Age: 22
Games: 23 (0)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: NA
A mooted trade target at the end of last season, Sharp was retained by the Suns entering the final year of his contract but did not featured at AFL level this season. Could once again look for a return home to Western Australia.
JAMES TSITAS (Midfielder) | Age: 28
Games: 5 (4)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Played four games and all in the sub vest this season after making his AFL debut in 2022. The mature age rookie has helped to raise the level of the Suns’ VFL side but hasn’t quite been able to match the standard required in the AFL just yet.
BEN LONG (Defender) | Age: 25
Games: 94 (15)
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Contracted to end of 2026 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Gold Coast traded a fourth-round pick for the former Saint who has been serviceable in defence this season. Form trailed off late in the year and was dropped from the side after the loss to GWS in round 19.
SEAN LEMMENS (Defender) | Age: 28
Games: 145 (11)
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Battled calf and hamstring injuries that limited him to just 11 games this season. The veteran struggled to put together a solid block of form but importantly was able to string some games together late in the year.
DAVID SWALLOW (Midfielder) | Age: 30
Games: 220 (23)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
The former skipper continues to find ways to be valuable to the Suns even in his 12th season. Isn’t the accumulator he was early in his career, but has been able to impact in the midfield and up forward this season. Wound back the clock kicking 3.3 in the narrow loss to the Blues in round 23.
SAM COLLINS (Key Defender) | Age: 29
Games: 104 (23)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Above Average
A career-best season for Collins, who was able to focus on his role as a lockdown key defender with the emergence of Mac Andrew. Rugged, dependable and a great leader for the young Suns.
CONNOR BLAKELY (Midfielder) | Age: 27
Games: 78 (0)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: NA
The delisted Docker was picked up by the Suns ahead of this season but did not feature at AFL level. Bolstered the club’s VFL stocks to help lead to the Suns to the minor premiership in the second-tier competition but looks little more than a depth option for the AFL side.
WIL POWELL (Defender) Age: 24
Games: 87 (18)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Elite
The underrated running defender was enjoying a career-best season before a second leg injury in as many years cruelled his 2023 campaign. Powell averaged 20 disposals and 2.5 intercept marks per game as a key cog in the Suns’ back six. Will hopefully be fully fit for pre-season.
JARROD WITTS (Ruckman) | Age: 30
Games: 165 (21)
Home State: New South Wales
Status: Contracted to end of 2024
CD Ranking: Above Average
May have surrendered his title of AFL hit out leader to Reilly O’Brien this season but Witts remains one of the premiere ruckmen in the competition. The co-captain is perhaps the most important piece in the Suns’ set-up and still has some quality years left.
CHRIS BURGESS (Key Forward) | Age: 27
Games: 36 (1)
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Made it back-to-back VFL leading goal kicker awards this season and was handed a sole AFL start in the final round with both Ben King and Jack Lukosius out injured. Is one of the better back-up options in the league however there are too many key forwards ahead of him in the pecking order and that will only grow once highly-touted Academy prospect Jed Walter arrives through the draft. One to watch as a possible trade target for rival clubs.
LEVI CASBOULT (Key Forward) | Age: 33
Games: 195 (20)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Popular opinion was 2023 would be Casboult’s final season, however another solid cameo has opened the door for a return in 2024. Ben King’s return meant fewer opportunities for the former Blue but he still found a way to crash packs and have an impact inside 50. One of the value buys of recent years.
MAC ANDREW (Defender) | Age: 19
Games: 21 (17)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Had a horror start to the year with two club-imposed suspensions but pulled his head in and became a back half regular as the season went on. Showed great development as a third tall in defence and should be a staple in the Suns’ back six for seasons to come.
BODHI UWLAND (Defender) | Age: 20
Games: 3 (3)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Poor
The Suns Academy product hit the ground running with 20 disposals on debut in round one, only to be dropped following a five-touch performance the following week. He was an unused sub against the Crows in round 12 and has otherwise spent the season in the VFL. Hard to judge his progression after an injury plagued first two seasons.
CHARLIE CONSTABLE (Midfielder) | Age: 24
Games: 16 (2)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
Averaged 17.5 disposals in the opening fortnight yet didn’t sniff the AFL side after that. Lit up the VFL with regular 30-plus disposal showings but is too far back in the midfield pecking order to be considered outside of injuries.
BEN KING (Key Forward) | Age: 23
Games: 73 (20)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Average
Twenty games and 40 goals is perhaps more than the Suns could have hoped for from their spearhead coming off an ACL injury. Battled through a poor period of form and starred in the drought-breaking QClash win over Brisbane with five goals. The Suns will be eager to get a deal in front of him before Victorian clubs start circling.
CONNOR BUDARICK (Defender) | Age: 22
Games: 28 (2)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Average
The homegrown talent returned from an ACL injury via the VFL only to be sidelined with a hamstring. Was finally able to get his body right and earned a recall late in the season. Is a best-22 player when fit – hopefully is able to get himself up and running with a full pre-season under the belt.
ELIJAH HOLLANDS (Winger) | Age: 21
Games: 14 (9)
Home State: South Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
After a solid five-game stretch to end 2022 Hollands looked set to be a regular on the wing at the Gold Coast. But he lasted just four games in 2023 before being dropped to the VFL, where he stayed until a round 18 recall. Hasn’t come on as the Suns would have liked but has draft pedigree and youth on his side.
OSKAR FAULKHEAD (Mid-Forward) | Age: 20
Games: 0 (0)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: NA
A 2022 mid-season draft selection, Faulkhead is yet to feature at AFL level. Kicked 2.1 from 29 disposals in a big win over Carlton that clinched the VFL minor premiership. Should be retained as a young depth option with upside.
LLOYD JOHNSTON (Defender) | Age: 19
Games: 2 (2)
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Poor
Earned an AFL debut in round 23 against Carlton but was subbed out late in the game with eight touches to his name. Has shown serious development since arriving at the club and boasts enviable athleticism. Could be a diamond in the rough for the future.
JOEL JEFFREY (Forward) | Age: 21
Games: 16 (7)
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
The versatile medium forward suffered another cruel injury blow this season when he went down with a lateral meniscus injury in round 14. Has shown glimpses of something special when on the field, unfortunately that just hasn’t happened often enough.
MALCOLM ROSAS JR (Forward) | Age: 22
Games: 38 (19)
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
His 19 goals in as many games this season may be a career-best, but it’s probably not good enough for a player of Rosas Jr’s potential. Too often disappears in games and failed to hit the scoreboard in nine matches this season. Has promised to work on his touch and fitness in the off-season as he eyes more minutes through the midfield. Signed a two-year contract extension late in the season keeping him at the club to the end of 2025.
JAKE STEIN (Key Defender) | Age: 29
Games: 20 (0)
Home State: New South Wales
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: NA
The former Giant and 2014 Commonwealth Games decathlete was rookie listed by the Suns at the end of last season. Has been a solid contributor at VFL level but has not had an AFL opportunity given the relative health of the Suns’ key defenders.
BRODIE MCLAUGHLIN (Key Forward) | Age: 25
Games: 0 (0)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: NA
Joined the Suns via Frankston in the VFL and has played the entire season at that level. Finished the year as joint VFL leading goal kicker alongside teammate Chris Burgess. Brought in as a capable back-up option and has not put a foot wrong, but likely won’t get an AFL start unless injury strikes.
DARCY MACPHERSON (Defender) | Age: 25
Games: 95 (23)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Average
The former rookie-listed player enjoyed his best season since finishing third in the Suns’ best and fairest in 2019. Averaged 20 disposals and three rebounds after being redeployed as a running defender, having played predominantly as a small forward in his seven previous seasons.
SANDY BROCK (Key Defender) | Age: 20
Games: 0 (0)
Home State: Northern Territory
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: NA
Another youngster yet to feature at AFL level. At 198cm, Brock can play as a key defender and in the ruck and has slowly developed in the VFL over the past two seasons.
CALEB GRAHAM (Key Defender) | Age: 22
Games: 37 (0)
Home State: Queensland
Status: Contracted to end of 2026 season
CD Ranking: NA
The Cairns product played 15 AFL games last season but has been overtaken in the pecking order by Mac Andrew and not featured at all in 2023. Capable of playing at both ends of the ground, Graham is a handy key position utility that has been locked down for the long term.
HEWAGO OEA (Forward) | Age: 21
Games: 13 (8)
Home State: Papua New Guinea
Status: Contracted to end of 2023 season
CD Ranking: Below Average
The feel good PNG product fell out of favour late in the season. Kicked three goals from eight appearances averaging just under nine disposals. Tries his heart out but can go missing for long periods.
NED MOYLE (Ruckman) | Age: 21
Games: 2 (2)
Home State: Victoria
Status: Contracted to end of 2024 season
CD Ranking: Poor
The former rookie draft selection is highly rated by the Suns and finally got his AFL chance when Jarrod Witts missed two games through injury early in the year. Ranked third for hit outs in the VFL this season. Could be a target for Victorian clubs if the Suns can’t convince the 206cm giant of opportunities in the near future.
JY FARRAR (Defender) | Age: 26
Games: 34 (9)
Home State: Western Australia
Status: Contracted to end of 2025 season
CD Ranking: Poor
A down season for the fourth-year medium defender who was handed a two-year extension at the end of 2022. Averaged just eight disposals and was dropped twice. At 191cm is able to play tall and small.
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