2026 was supposed to be a season that franked the successes of the last.
The Suns' maiden finals appearance and maiden finals victory was believed to be only the beginning - a notion only furthered by the off-season acquisition of Christian Petracca. The credentialed former Demon started his first season in the red and yellow like a house on fire, and the Suns rocketed into premiership favouritism because of it.
The wheels have fallen off since that rampaging beginning, and with the club now facing an uphill battle to feature even in the Wildcard Round, attention has turned to what shapes as yet another busy off-season. Spearheads established and emerging in Ben King and Jed Walter, are rumoured to be headed for the exits.
How do the Suns replace the production of the pair, maximise their yields at the trade table, and designate 2026 as a detour on the road to premiership glory, as opposed to a change in direction entirely? Who are some of the names that could aid that end?
Read on to find out!
1. Jordan Ridley
The 27-year-old Bomber has signalled his desire for a fresh start in the Sunshine State.
He has struggled with his body in recent years, and is seeking a new lease on his footballing life. Given the Bombers' absolutely horrific set of circumstances, the best and fairest winner could be forgiven for heading for the exits, although he is contracted at the Hangar until 2029.
That status necessitates a trade. The Suns are without a first round pick at the 2026 National Draft, and so a future first or a current second, potentially with a 'steak knives' player thrown in, are likely on the table, depending on the two clubs' respective valuations of the key defender.
A backline underpinned by a healthy Ridley, the dependable Sam Collins, the versatile Mac Andrew, the All-Australian squad-bound Bodhi Uwland and co would be a brilliant base from which Damien Hardwick could launch his assault back up the ladder.
