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.
3. Nathan Wilson
The Western Australian has been out of the Dockers' side throughout 2022 off the back of both injury and poor form, however there is a real possibility that Gold Coast could make a move for him over the off-season due to his contract's expiration in the summer.
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Stuart Dew's side have reportedly entertained the idea of making a play for the 29-year-old half-back, however nothing concrete has been said on the Dockers' side of the fence.
Wilson's field-kicking is a huge part of his game and considering that Fremantle are already well stocked in defence, it would be wise of the former Giant to sound out other options after 74 games in WA.
Should the Suns pursue the veteran, he would provide experience that the Suns could really use at this point in time. His kicking would complement the likes of Lukosius and Powell and help kickstart attacks.
Additionally, the Suns wouldn't have to take up a massive amount of their cap to get him, meaning there is very little downside to this deal should it transpire.
