WITH the 2021 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (November 24/25), clubs have had the opportunity to exchange picks with the final order formed just over a week out. While the chaos settles, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope is Gold Coast, a club which has already made a couple of pre-listed selections, but is poised for a relatively quiet couple of nights come draft time.

CURRENT PICKS: 3

2022 PICKS: GCS Round 1, COL Round 2, FRE Round 2, GCS Round 2, COL Round 3, GCS Round 3, COL Round 4, FRE Round 4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON COMBINE INVITEES:

Will Bella, Sandy Brock*, Austin Harris, Ned Stevens, Bodhi Uwland*

* – denotes pre-listed

LIST NEEDS:

+ Key defensive depth
+ Outside run/class

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 3)

Currently Gold Coast’s lone live selection in the draft, pick three looms as an important one in shaping the remainder of this year’s top 10. Depending on what GWS does immediately beforehand, the Suns could be left to bid on father-son candidates Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy, but will see the selection slide down to five either way.

Should GWS overlook the smooth moving Finn Callaghan, he would be an ideal fit for Gold Coast. At 191cm, he fits the need for some class and run on the outside or off half-back, but arguably has the most scope to become a midfielder in the mould of Marcus Bontempelli. With Hugh Greenwood unexpectedly out, Callaghan could arguably replace him straight away.

High-flying GWV Rebels defender Josh Gibcus is another player who has been heavily linked to Gold Coast’s pick, and makes just as much sense. Intercept marking key backs are in vogue and the Suns could do with some depth in that area, making Gibcus a shrewd option. He has been a massive improver in 2021 and is the best tall defender available.

Still in the realm of talls, Mac Andrew is said to be high on GWS’ list but might be one for Gold Coast to snap up instead. The Dandenong Stingrays product is a raw athlete with enormous upside and while he is developing as a ruck-forward, has all the versatility to cover on each line.

Gibcus’ Rebels teammate Ben Hobbs is another in contention at pick three, especially given the Greenwood departure. While lacking the same height, he is as tough and competitive as they come in midfield and would be a readymade asset on the inside who could play very early.

REMAINING CROP:

With room only for pick three left on its list, Gold Coast had also planned to re-list Greenwood and Rory Thompson, as well as Jez McLennan in the rookie draft. With one of those pieces now missing, the Suns could look to use their strong 2022 hand to trade back into this year’s intake, adding one more fresh face to the mix.

The Queensland club has already been busy with a couple of pre-listings, credit to continued draft concessions afforded by the AFL. Academy player of the year Bodhi Uwland secured a spot after impressing across multiple levels in 2021, while Northern Territory native Sandy Brock also joins having come on strongly with Peel Thunder at WAFL League level, playing as an athletic key defender.

Gold Coast’s only other piece of business to consider is its commitment to former Carlton ruck-forward Levi Casboult. Pending his vaccination status, the delisted free agent is set to join the Suns. They could also look at bringing more Academy talent, with key forward Will Bella and lively small Austin Harris also up for grabs.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Does the Hugh Greenwood debacle change Gold Coast’s draft plans?
> Could Gold Coast use its strong 2022 hand to trade back into this year’s draft?
> Will Gold Coast prioritise needs or best available talent with pick three?