Many pundits are bullish on the Suns' chances in 2026. And rightly so.
After accumulating a plethora of first-round draft talent since their inception in 2011, the Suns have finally found the right mix between young talent and maturity.
An aggressive trade strategy in recent seasons, which has brought in players such as Christian Petracca, John Noble and Daniel Rioli, has further accelerated their rise.
With a dynamic midfield, speed out of the back half and established key position players, there is no glaring weakness, and you would think the Suns are poised to contend for their first ever flag in 2026.
Defenders
Gold Coast's defensive stocks remain solid, led by the experienced Sam Collins, who has proven that he can match up with the competition's best key forwards. Charlie Ballard returns from an ACL injury in 2025 to add further experience and depth to their key defensive stocks.
The Suns also boast a handful of exciting, developing key defenders. Mac Andrew continues to show significant upside with his athleticism and intercepting ability, while Oscar Adams provides a tough, no-nonsense lockdown option.
The addition of Daniel Rioli and John Noble in the 2024 Trade Period has injected pace, creativity and nice ball use coming out of their back half. Will Powell and draftee Dylan Patterson offer similar line-breaking profiles.
Bodhi Uwland continues to rise as a tough and versatile defensive option after finishing second in the Suns' best and fairest in 2024, while Joel Jeffrey adds speed, aerial ability and composure with ball in hand.
