Premiership Odds: $41 (via TopSport)
Prediction: 16th
Having Gary Ablett back will help, but there is only so much one man can do, and saying that, I don't give the Suns much hope in 2016.
My view is that Gold Coast have the wrong coach. Rodney Eade is too predictable, it was that way at the Bulldogs and it has continued up north.
The culture at the club isn't great and there seems to be some sort of divide among the playing group, contributing significantly to their off-field issues last season.
They need to rectify these issues to have any chance of making progress this year and getting rid of players such as Dixon and Bennell is a start.
A big reason I have the Suns finishing 16th is that the remainder of the competition is set to improve and I can't see many teams that the Suns can finish above on the ladder, with the exception of Essendon and Carlton.
The suns have too many critical players that are injury prone and with a questionable culture, it should be another stumbling year up in the Gold Coast.
Key Ins:
Matt Rosa, Jarrod Grant, Callum Ah Chee
Key Outs:
Charlie Dixon, Harley Bennell, Andrew Raines, Greg Broughton
Key Player: Gary Ablett
Although he barley played last year, Ablett is still top dog at the Suns and he's return will be a much welcomed sight for supporters as he looks to take the competition by storm yet again.
In those six games he played in 2015, he averaged 22 disposals and a goal a game, pretty decent stats for someone who was struggling with injuries all year.
He still leads a midfield - that if fit - is scary and he is sure to rack up the numbers yet again in 2016.
Rising Star: Callum Ah Chee
The skilful half forward/midfielder arrived from WA as the Suns first pick at the most recent national draft and will be looking to make an immediate impact.
Ah Chee is a sound decision maker with good ball use that brings other players into the game. He already has experience in the WAFL and should make his AFL debut at some point throughout the season.
What separated the 18-year old from the rest of the pack at the draft, was his ability in the air. Despite being only 182cm, Ah Chee has a big leap on him that gives him another way to get into the game.
A similar player to St Kilda's Jack Billings, expect Ah Chee to make some waves in 2016.
Under the Pump: Jack Martin
Martin is entering his third year at AFL level and will be expected to improve much more now that Dixon and Bennell have left the club.
The 20-year old has shown glimpse of his talent in 23 games, but so far he hasn't fulfilled that talent.
He's got a big leap and knows where the goals are as well as doing just about anything with the footy. I'm backing him to rise to the challenge and produce a solid year up at Metricon.
Weakness: The coach
I know its harsh, but I just can't see this club going anywhere significant under Rodney Eade.
His first season at the Suns was a nightmare and he couldn't have been handed a worse injury crisis. That being said, the amount of major off-field distractions took a huge hit to his coaching credentials and questions are now being asked as to whether he can change the culture at the club.
Suspending Dixon, Bennell, McKenzie, Martin and Matera for breaking team rules and consuming alcohol was Eade's way of ensuring his young side would learn the hard way.
His dismissal of Dixon and Bennell at the end of last season looked like his stamping his authority on this young side, whether this approach works in 2016 remains to be seen.
Strength: Midfield
Ablett, O'Meara, Swallow and Prestia represent a midfield that contains more natural talent than almost any other in the AFL.
Add exciting young ruckman Tom Nicholls to the mix, and most clubs would move heaven and earth to get their hands on this Fab Five.
Beyond these players, the likes of Rosa and Rischitelli provide stability, while Martin looks set to explode provided he can stay on the tracks off-field.
What the fixture looks like: Okay
They play Fremantle twice, but no other 2015 finalists as they double up against the Giants, Bombers, Demons and Lions with their first four weeks featuring winnable clashes with Carlton, Brisbane and Essendon.
Two trips to Perth and no Friday night football are not surprising given last season's performances, but on the plus side they have been handed an AFL-lowest four six day breaks.
Best 22
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Steven May, Kade Kolodjashnij
HB: Adam Saad, Rory Thompson, Nick Malceski
C: Matt Rosa, David Swallow, Jack Martin
HF: Aaron Hall, Tom Lynch, Jaeger O'Meara
F: Brandon Matera, Sam Day, Jarrod Grant
R: Tom Nicholls, Gary Ablett, Dion Prestia
I: Michael Rischitelli, Touk Miller, Callum Ah Chee, Trent McKenzie
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