WITH season proper and trade period done and dusted, AFL fans and staff alike now turn their attention towards the draft (November 20-21). The chaos has momentarily settled on player and pick swaps, and budding prospects have completed their combines, leaving a nervous wait until they learn their fate.

In the next of our club-by-club draft previews, we take a look at Gold Coast’s hand and offer insight into how the Suns may utilise the picks at their possession. It looks like being a relatively straightforward intake for the Queensland club, with four Academy products set to enter via the National Draft.

LADDER FINISH: 15th (9-14, 91.7%)
2023 PICKS: 24, 26, 27, 32, 36, 38, 66, 71, 74, 84
FUTURE PICKS: GCS R1, WB R1, NM R1*, GCS R2, BL R2, ESS R3
CLUB-TIED PLAYERS: Jed Walter, Ethan Read, Jake Rogers, Will Graham, Nick Williams (all Academy), Will Rowlands (Darwin zone)

* – denotes end of first round compensation pick via North Melbourne

FIRST PICK:

Gold Coast’s first pick is listed at 24, though the Suns wont have to wait that long to get on the board. Academy star Jed Walter looks set to be bid on by North Melbourne with pick two, which would be a fair range to do so. The hulking key forward could immediately fill the list gap left by traded pair Mabior Chol and Chris Burgess, as well as the delisted Brodie McLaughlin – all tall goal kickers.

Throughout the season, Walter had recruiters in awe of his combination of traits, mixing athleticism with strength and a unique willingness to hunt the opposition defensively. He’s a force in the air and capable of kicking big bags of goals to break the game open. Some clubs had placed him ahead of Harley Reid for his exploits at the National Championships, but most have him sitting second at a minimum.

REMAINING CROP:

It’s a relatively straightforward write-up for the Suns this year. They hold a whopping 10 picks heading into night one, most of which will be eaten up by the time night two comes around. Along with Walter, another three Academy players are set to join through the National Draft.

Ruck Ethan Read and small midfielder Jake Rogers are two players poised to attract bids within the first 15 picks. The former is an elite runner at 202cm who covers the ground well, is dextrous below his knees, and has neat skills. He’ll likely go before the picks tick up to double digits.

Rogers, who like Walter was born interstate before settling in Queensland, will also cost a pretty penny. The diminutive stoppage specialist hardly fumbles or wastes a possession, defying his 170cm standing with solid core strength, smarts, and excellent decision making in tight spots.

The fourth and often forgotten Suns Academy star is Will Graham, who lit up this year’s National Draft Combine. An explosive midfielder with clean hands, his big frame is hard to combat at the contest, though defence seems like his new spot having played there for the Allies.

After Walter, Read, and Rogers are snapped up within the first 15 or so selections, Graham may well follow around the 25-40 range. Clubs will be keen to make the Suns accountable in prizing such prolific local talent through the bidding system, though each player is courted so highly on merit.

Gold Coast may also consider a couple more club-tied players. Over-age tall defender Nick Williams is a hard-working interceptor who flew under the radar as one to watch this year. There’s also explosive midfielder-forward Will Rowlands, who is eligible via the Darwin zone. Both could enter as rookies, but will be open to bids from to other clubs in the National Draft.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Just how early will bids arrive for Gold Coast’s academy stars?
– Will Gold Coast be able to nab a couple more club-tied players as rookies?
– Will Gold Coast have to hit the live trading table with its strong 2024 hand?