The Gold Coast Suns are on the cusp of their first finals berth in club history, barring a shock loss to the Bombers at People First Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Suns' long-awaited leap into contention arguably stemmed from their highly successful 2024 trade period, landing a pair of elite half-backs in John Noble and Daniel Rioli that have shaped their transition football from the defensive 50.
While the improvement has been much appreciated by the success-starved Suns faithful, there are still some ways to go, as the Suns still lack outside running support options for their dominant midfield and consistent small forward options who are able to crumb at the feet of spearhead Ben King.
So, where can they make upgrades, and which out-of-contract players could the Suns realistically add as they enter their first premiership window under Damien Hardwick?
We take a look at five trade and free agency targets for the Gold Coast to consider this year.
5Caleb Poulter
A cheap wing option for the Suns to consider is out-of-favour Bulldog Caleb Poulter, with the 193cm midfielder demonstrating his versatility across different roles at the Dogs in 2025.
Poulter has played across half-back, along the wing and up forward with the Bulldogs, having his most success when he's further down the ground in scoring chains. He notably kicked a goal and had seven score involvements when starting inside forward 50 against GWS in Round 21, but has also excelled in a follower role, having a career-high 23 disposals against Melbourne last year in that position.
At just 22 years old and flashing potential at AFL level, Gold Coast may see him as a worthy investment, particularly if midfielders Alex Sexton, David Swallow and Alex Davies do end up departing or calling time on their careers.
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