Synopsis
Once the AFL’s golden child, the Suns are still struggling to make things click after nearly nine seasons of footy. With a best finish so far of just 12th, by now we figured this team would be mixing it with the best. Not only do things seem dire for the Gold Coast now, but the Sun’s little brother GWS are an AFL powerhouse, and once again in 2019 the Suns are going nowhere fast. With three wins from their 13 attempts, the Gold Coast are in trouble again, and even their positive glimpses have been far from what we envisioned we’d see even five years ago.
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What’s Gone Right?
It’s hard to think of too many positives for the Gold Coast this year, but the Suns have played an insane amount of close footy in 2019, with six of their thirteen matches being decided by under a goal. Of those six, the Suns have managed to win three, against the Dockers, Dogs and Blues. The fact that the Suns have managed to stick with teams for an entire match on several occasions is promising, but those three losses by under a kick to the Demons and two to the Saints will go down as massive lost opportunities, as the Gold Coast probably could have won all three, and six wins looks a lot better than just three.
What’s Gone Wrong?
Goalkicking is still seeming to beat the Suns. In their thirteen matches they have only managed to kick ten or more goals four times, and on eight occasions have kicked more behinds than goals. Alex Sexton has been the Sun’s light up forward, leading the Coleman Medal count for much of the early part of the season before dropping off in form. With Tom Lynch now a Tiger, the Gold Coast’s key forward stocks have taken a huge hit, with Peter Wright still developing and first season players Jack Lukosius and Ben King being the club’s best options up front. The Suns need to develop these players into dangerous goalkickers who can use their presence and pressure to get themselves on the board. Kicking eight goals eleven behinds every week isn’t going to win too many games.
Stand Out Player
There hasn’t really been one Suns player that has shown up the rest of his teammates, however newly appointed co-captain Jarrod Witts has established himself in the role of number one ruck and is looking to push into the competition’s elite in that category. Witts averages 14 disposals a game which isn’t bad for a big man, but also racks up an average of 45 hit outs a match, making him a danger to any other ruckman in the competition. Continuing to have a strong season will keep him well liked by Suns fans, who are growing to love their new skipper, despite him being grossly underrated.
Run Home
With some tough matches still to come, the road to season’s end doesn’t get any easier for the Suns. With seriously tough games against Adelaide, Collingwood, Brisbane and GWS remaining, there’s some work to do if Gold Coast don’t want to find themselves in the bottom four once again this year.
Round 14 Bye
Round 15 Sydney @ SCG
Round 16 Richmond @ Metricon Stadium
Round 17 Adelaide @ Metricon Stadium
Round 18 Carlton @ Marvel Stadium
Round 19 Essendon @ Metricon Stadium
Round 20 Collingwood @ MCG
Round 21 Brisbane Lions @ The Gabba
Round 22 Hawthorn @ Marvel Stadium
Round 23 GWS Giants @ Metricon Stadium
Final Grade
It’s hard to think this club promised so much not so long ago. There’s plenty of work to do, but with a list lacking star power and experience, there could be even more dark times ahead on the Gold Coast.
Overall Grade: D
Can’t get enough footy? Check out more of our Pinch Hitters Mid Season Report Cards here.