The general feeling around the Suns is that they're on the precipice of something truly great, with a host of their major stars putting pen-to-paper on new deals.
Even coach Stuart Dew got in on the action, committing his immediate future to the side and doubling down on the culture he is building up on the Gold Coast.
However, once again the Suns have come up short in 2022, missing out on finals despite this being the campaign that so many predicted them to finally take the necessary steps to become a finals side.
Spirited wins against Carlton, Richmond, Fremantle and Sydney showed what they are capable of, however disappointing performances against the likes of Essendon, GWS, Brisbane and Hawthorn showed the side still has a ways to go.
One of the main sore points that will likely develop over the summer is the saga with out-of-contract star Izak Rankine with the 22-year-old looking like he will go back home to Adelaide, specifically the Crows, on a bumper deal.
With this in mind, an enigmatic attacking midfielder who could do the business both inside- 50 and sometimes out of the middle is a mould Dew might want to fill over the off-season.
Conversely, injuries to Lachie Weller and Wil Powell and the semi-transition of Jack Lukosius to the forward-line mean that the side's half-back line is in need of some reinforcement with the trade period being the likely window to address this.
Therefore, here are five potential players that the Suns' recruitment team could target over the off-season to propel them up the ladder in 2023.
2. Junior Rioli
Despite having a tumultuous time at the Eagles, Junior Rioli is still a valuable player to Adam Simpson's outfit when he is dialled in.
His 2022 has been somewhat stunted, however, he has still put up some great numbers as a small forward in a side that has performed well below standard this year.
Reports are that he is still deliberating over a multi-year contract offer from West Coast, meaning that his head still could be turned should a rival table a suitable offer.
With Rankine potentially heading out the door with West Coast on the list of suitors, Rioli could definitely be a replacement for the youngster and a good one at that considering his presence inside-50.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
This saga is set to snowball the more that he weighs up his options, however Gold Coast may be a club that is willing to throw their hat in the ring.
