Bob Murphy has told SEN Mornings he thinks Gold Coast could make the top eight in 2018 despite the turmoil they have faced over the last few years.
โThereโs just something about the Gold Coast Suns that reminds me of the Dogs of 2015.โ The Bulldogs champion said.
โThat group has been together now for a while, theyโre still quite young, but theyโve played quite a bit of footy together.โ
Thereโs a few similarities between the Bulldogs of 2014 and the Suns of 2016.
Both lost star players to other clubs and both acquired new coaches.
In 2014 Ryan Griffen walked out on the Dogs to join GWS and coach Brendan McCartney was axed.
Subsequently, they brought in Luke Beveridge who was coming from a highly successful club as an assistant coach, much like Stuart Dew.
Murphy admitted that it was quite a big call, but he praised the Gold Coast big men and believes they could lead the Suns to the finals.
โI love their spine - Steven May (down back). I love that Sam Dayโs back in the mix โ he played on the weekend, he was quiet, but he had some moments, and that he got through the whole game,โ Murphy added.
โHe did a couple of things late in the game, that I thought, heโs going to be around for them this year.
โI think Jarrod Witts might be the second best ruckman in the league by the end of the year. I think Max Gawn is clearly the best.โ
A finals appearance would no doubt shock the league but with the competition so even at the moment, anything is possible.
Gold Coast will play North Melbourne in Cairns next Saturday to kick off their 2018 campaign.
