Gold Coast Suns

Five trade targets for every AFL club: Gold Coast Suns

A star Bulldog, two contracted backmen and a fringe Cat are among the Suns’ potential trade options.

Published by

Lachie Fagan

Since joining the competition in 2011, Gold Coast are yet to find the right squad that can take them into September.

The Suns have battled throughout a controversial year for the club which has seen the exit of long-serving coach Stuart Dew. Dew developed a number of promising players during his time as head coach but failed to cover up some evident gaps in their starting 22.

Are there some players for Gold Coast that could finally end their post-season drought?

In the eighth part of our trade target series, we take a look at potential players that could make the trip to the Sunshine State this off-season.

James Jordon

Demons young gun James Jordon could seek a potential move this off-season with the Gold Coast Suns remaining front and centre of the conversation.

The midfielder has seen plenty of playing time since his 2021 breakout season which has likely gathered the attention of other clubs.

Jordon has averaged 12 disposals so far in 2023, had a season-high 23 touches in Round 17 against St Kilda, and has played in almost every game for another successful home and away run for Melbourne. Jordon's ability to run, work, compete, use his footy smarts, and follow instructions has gone far from unnoticed around the league.

Despite continuing selection, Jordan has seen a decline in average for almost all major statistics including disposals, with his numbers significantly depreciating due to taking on the tactical sub role for most of 2023.

With the addition of more exciting midfield talent, Gold Coast could use Jordon's excellent ball usage to not only become a better transition side but also use him to create new scoring opportunities where previously the midfielders and forwards would have to come up to assist. Jordon can assist other young guns such as Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson with a more effective transition midfield as the Suns look to build a new play style under their next coach in 2024.

Adam Tomlinson

Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson is reportedly weighing up his future at Melbourne once more at the conclusion of this season.

Harrison Petty won the selection battle in 2023 ahead of Tomlinson when both players are healthy and available, making it difficult for Tomlinson to establish a consistent berth in the starting 22.

The 29-year-old former Giant has only participated in six senior games in 2023 and was interested in being traded last year before deciding to see out another year of his contract with the Dees, where he still has 18 months remaining on his deal.

A key defender, Tomlinson is a trade target who would be able to complement the likes of Sam Collins and Charlie Ballard in defence and be used as a third tall. He has a strong presence in the VFL, often ranking as one of the best players on the ground, and was also an integral part of the Casey Demons team which won the 2022 VFL Premiership.

When he has played this season, Tomlinson has averaged 15.2 disposals, 1.6 tackles and one intercept mark. Tomlinson showed what he can do when he was playing his best footy across the 2017-2019 seasons at GWS.

After 11 seasons in the AFL, could he make the trip up north to get more playing time?

Esava Ratugolea

Ratugolea has displayed positive defensive stints at times this season but is struggling to earn selection in Chris Scott's 22.

At the end of 2022, he attempted and failed to be traded to Port Adelaide, and in 2023, he has been reassigned as a defender.

Multiple teams are reportedly interested in the unsigned potential, with Port Adelaide seen as the most likely suitor due to player interests.

Ratugolea has struggled at times this year for the Cats. This year he's averaging an underwhelming 9 disposals and 1.5 tackles per game. His lack of selection has clearly had an effect on his ability to produce consistent AFL standard performances.

After six seasons in the AFL, could he cross to the Suns to reignite his career?

Tom Clurey

The Port Adelaide defender is reportedly open for a move away from Alberton despite being contracted until the end of 2025, with limited opportunities on offer to Clurey this year due to both injury and form.

The Power are understood to be shopping for an A-grade key defender that will likely make matters worse for the 29-year-old, who could see a move interstate as a viable option to find more minutes at AFL level.

Like the selections of Ratugolea (a Port Adelaide target) and Tomlinson, Clurey would suit the Suns' backline options to allow Charlie Ballard to work as a third tall option while giving Sam Collins more support on the last line.

Clurey would also come as the cheaper of the three options given his placing at Port Adelaide, who are likely needing to bolster their draft hand to acquire their own trade targets.

Bailey Smith

Said to be seen as a gettable asset in 2023, would a switch to the Suns be best for Bailey Smith?

With former Richmond mentor Damien Hardwick expected to land the Gold Coast job, the triple premiership coach could be the best man to help get the most out of Smith, who has seen his numbers take a hit in a new role on the outside of Luke Beveridge's preferred midfield ensemble.

The flashy Bulldogs star would become the next marketable figure for the Suns and could gain some benefit from moving away from the Melbourne 'fishbowl'.

A switch to the Suns would also have Smith complementing the likes of Rowell and Anderson nicely in midfield.

The tricky situation that would present itself for the Suns with a trade for Smith would be the fact the Queensland club are needing to stockpile later draft picks this year to attain a trio of Academy kids in this year's draft.

Maybe a trade that would include their future first-round selection and a player on the outer could see a deal agreed to.

Published by

Lachie Fagan

10 months ago