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.
Forwards
Gold Coast's forward line has undergone significant change over the off-season. The departures of Ben Ainsworth and Malcolm Rosas has vacated roles at ground level, while the arrival of some elite talent promises significant improvement to their already dangerous front half.
The headline addition is Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who, if his off-field issues can be resolved, has already shown he could be a generational key forward. His potential partnership with Ben King looms as one of the most dangerous key-forward combinations in the competition in 2026 and beyond.
Christian Petracca is likely to spend most of his time through the midfield, but his ability to impact forward of centre adds another dynamic to Damien Hardwick's forward line.
At ground level, Bailey Humphrey is now a proven small forward who offers power and aggression while hitting the scoreboard.
Former Suns Academy products Jed Walter and Ethan Read add further intrigue to selection, with Gold Coast potentially able to deploy three or four key targets ahead of the ball and stretch opposition defences.
Supporting options such as Leo Lombard, Jake Rogers and Nick Holman provide pressure, speed and flexibility, rounding out a forward group with nice depth and significant upside.
