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The 11 best players Gold Coast have let go in their history

While a lot of these players wanted out, the Suns have failed to build a good environment.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

The Gold Coast Suns have made a host of changes to their list since their debut season in 2011, which included some of the biggest names in the game today.

As the Suns will always be compared to fellow new-comers GWS, it may seem that the club has seen little to no success, in terms of finals appearances.

The Suns' coaching panel and board shifted names around in hope to find the perfect balance.

However, whether it be players that have fallen out of favour or players wanting to experience success at other clubs, the Suns were made to make changes to their list, wishing it would turn out for them.

In these cases, it can be argued it did not.

Here are the 11 best players to leave the Suns:

Aaron Hall

Hall made his debut for the Suns in round one, 2012, and played just eight games in his debut season, before cementing his side in the Suns' best 22.

The 28-year-old's Gold Coast career was certainly an interesting one, as Hall was at times one of the Suns' most damaging players, while on other occasions would go missing for long enough he'd find himself in the reserves.

Hall's 2016 season typified his Suns career, after he amassed all three Brownlow votes in Gold Coast's opening three games of the year, while going on to record disposal totals of 36, 32, 40, 26, 32, 28, 21, 32 in his first eight games.

Surprisingly, Hall was dropped for round nine, and went on to play just nine of the Suns' final 14 games of the season.

It was this inconsistency that saw him leave the Suns, and it's the same one that seen him play just six games for the Roos so far in 2019.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Aaron Hall of the Suns kicks the ball during the JLT Community Series AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions at Fankhauser Reserve on March 11, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Jarryd Lyons

The Suns picked up the discarded Crow at the end of 2016. Lyons struggled to fit into a strong midfield line-up that consisted of the Crouch brothers and Sloane.

After 55 games at the Crows, Lyons spent season 2017-18 at the Suns before being delisted.

Both those season up in the Gold Coast could have been seen as successful years, given that Lyons averaged 25 possessions across the 37 games he played.

New coach Stuart Dew found reason to drop Lyons twice during season 2018 and ultimately had him delisted come the end of the season.

Lyons ability to win the ball in-tight as well as spread from the contest appealed to the across-town rivals, Brisbane, who snatched him up.

So far this season, Lyons has played all 12 games, including his 100th match against the Bulldogs in round eight.

He has shown consistency thus far, amounting to 21.3 touches a game with 5.4 tackles and 4.5 clearances to go along with it.

The 26-year-old is now apart of a fast developing Lions outfit who are striving to make finals for the first time since 2009.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 17: Jarryd Lyons of the Suns celebrates a goal during the round 13 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Carlton Blues at Metricon Stadium on June 17, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Brandon Matera

Matera was part of the first fleet that landed at the Suns as a teenager.

Picked up as an underage recruit and being nephew to greats Phil and Peter Matera, pressure was on the youngster from the beginning.

He debuted in Gold Coast's first line-up in round 2, 2011 against the Blues at the Gabba.

Few rounds later, he was awarded a Rising Star Nomination where he kicked four goals in the Suns first ever victory against the Power.

Matera, due to injury and lack of form, never played a full season at the Suns.

He was in and out of the side, with his best year came in 2014 where he kicked 27 goals from 16 games.

The crafty small forward was likened to his uncle (Phillip) as he was able to evade opponents and snap goals over his head with ease.

However, Matera only managed 10 games in his last season at the Suns before being traded to Fremantle, where he's initially from.

His first season in the purple anchor saw him play 18 games that year with an average of 15 touches a game.

Hoping to find some consistency, Matera did start season 2019 in flying fashion as he's kicked 21 goals from 10 matches and looks lively up forward alongside Michael Walters and Jesse Hogan.

Although he wanted to go home, the Suns need more small forwards who apply pressure and kick goals, like Matera has slowly started to do.

The 27-year-old has played 129 games and has kicked 158 goals.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Brandon Matera of the Suns celebrates a goal during the round four AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Gold Coast Suns at Etihad Stadium on April 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Adam Saad

Known for his pace and ability to break open a game, Saad was very useful at the Suns.

He took the game on and tried to make something out of nothing.

He debuted in 2015 where he played 16 games and averaged 17 touches off the half-back.

His closing speed and determination meant his was suitable to play on crafty small forwards but also use his sprint to get away and open up the field.

Saad was a loved character by fans and teammates as most can picture taking four or five bounces down the wing and finding a target inside forward 50.

However, injury meant that Saad sat out most of 2016 as he only notched up 10 games, but was able to get right and play every game in season 2017.

The 24-year-old requested a trade home (Melb) and Essendon was his desired destination.

He featured in every game in 2018 as he averaged 17 touches over the year.

Saad has started season 2019 the way he finished the previous year.

He hasn't missed a game since 2016 and is one of the most exciting players with ball in hand.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Adam Saad of the Suns runs the ball during the round seven AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Melbourne Demons at Metricon Stadium on May 7, 2016 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Charlie Dixon

Standing at 200cm tall, Charlie Dixon made his present felt from the moment he walked onto an AFL ground.

Debuting in round 2, 2011, Dixon managed to get on the scoreboard kicking two goals against the Blues.

A few rounds later, Dixon helped carry the Suns over the line against Port Adelaide in what was the clubs first win. He kicked two goals and had 18 touches.

Being the big man he was, Dixon struggled to get match-fit and the amount of games reflected so.

He was dropped on a number of occasions due to his lack of form which came from lack of fitness.

He managed to play 65 games for the Suns, kicking 94 goals, 41 of which came in season 2015, his last in the Gold Coast.

Seasons 2016-2018 saw Charlie Dixon become a force to be reckoned with as he used his brute strength but new found fitness to beat his opponents.

Despite the old niggle here and there, Dixon has kept himself relatively free for selection and his outputs reflect so.

In 2017, Dixon lead the Port Adelaide goal-kicking with 49 goals from 23 games.

He hasn't managed to get on the park in season 2019, but is nearing a return which could dramatically improve the way the Power are playing.

Gary Ablett

It's hard to work out where to place Ablett on this list, given he's easily the best player the Suns have ever had.

However, his return to Geelong hasn't been exactly how he would have liked (2018 especially), and he slots in behind a number of former captains and premiership stars.

The little master also falls down the list a little at no fault of his own, although his inevitable return to Geelong took the sting out of his loss for the Suns.

While his 2018 campaign for Geelong was solid, his 2019 season has been brilliant.

His 21.0 disposal average is his worst since 2006, although his 2.0 goal average is the best of his career, as he's become an important cog in the Cats' forward line.

Geelong have lost just one game so far this season, and Ablett is in AA form.

I think we've seen this storyline play out a few times before...

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Gary Ablett of the Suns celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 04 match between the Carlton Blues and the Gold Coast Suns at Etihad Stadium on April 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Josh Caddy

The former Sun struggled to find a place in the side in his debut season in 2011.

Caddy, who was pick no.7 in 2010, suffered injuries which kept him from selection until round 23 against Melbourne.

The following year, Caddy had gotten himself right and featured in every game in 2012.

The forward/midfielder averaged 16 touches a game and booted 15 goals in the process. He did receive a Rising Star Nomination in round 16 that season, which coincidentally was his first win in AFL footy.

Caddy requested a trade back home and Geelong were able to snatch him up.

He spent four seasons at the Cats trying desperately to fit into a side that always managed to make its way into September.

Caddy did manage to play most games those seasons but was given limited midfield minutes as the Cats added to their strong midfield with the acquisition of Dangerfield.

At the end of 2016, Caddy's name was used as trade bait as Deledio wanted out of Richmond. Although Deledio made his way to the Giants, Caddy still managed to make his way to Punt Rd.

2017 saw Caddy perform at his best playing in 22 games including the winning Grand Final.

The bustling forward had found his position at the Richmond Tigers and continues to prove why he's an important part of their line-up.

Since coming across, Caddy has only missed a handful of games but is a lock for their best 22.

Last year saw Caddy in the AA squad of 40 due to his 46-goal season and incredible accuracy.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Josh Caddy of the Suns kicks past Brendon Goddard of the Saints during the round two AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Gold Coast Suns at Etihad Stadium on April 8, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

Dion Prestia

Prestia was pick no.9 in the 2010 AFL Draft and was amongst a smattering of young talent headed up to the Gold Coast.

He debuted in the inaugural match at the Gabba in round two against the Blues. Prestia struggled to stay in the side as he sat out for six weeks before being brought back in for the rest of the season.

2012 saw Prestia start to build on a solid AFL debut season until his year was hindered with hamstring injuries, resulting in only playing 14 games for the year.

2013 was Prestia's breakout season which resulted in him coming second in the B&F to Gary Ablett. He played 20 games that season, with an average of 25 touches.

Prestia started to catch the eyes of many fans and even opposing sides, who would look to Prestia as a target (after Gary Ablett).

The following year saw a similar output for Prestia which resulted in him receiving another podium finish in the B&F. He increased his touches per game and really drove the standards at the Suns as they made their way up the ladder.

Seasons 2015-16 saw Prestia's year ended early by knee injuries. Despite playing well in games he featured, he only managed to play 22 games across both seasons.

Trade talks were circling as Prestia came out of contract and a return home would be ideal.

He played 95 games with the Suns over six seasons before making his way across to Richmond.

He, like Caddy, came across in the premiership year, where Prestia only missed three games due to minor injuries.

He played a pivotal part in their midfield alongside Martin and Cotchin, including a massive performance in the grand final against Adelaide.

2018 saw Prestia with limited games as injuries kept him on the sidelines, but has continued to develop and contribute to the yellow & black.

He's played all 13 games this season and has been crucial to the Tigers as some of their stars have fallen to injury.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 21: Dion Prestia of the Suns and Richard Douglas of the Crows compete for the ball during the round nine AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on May 21, 2016 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Jaeger O'Meara

O'Meara was selected by the Suns as part of the 2011 mini draft as a young player, as he was deemed ready for AFL.

By 2013, O'Meara made his debut in round one and was rewarded with a Rising Star nomination in round five that year after 25 touches and two goals against the Giants.

He was subsequently named the Rising Star for 2013 after he didn't miss any games that season.

The following year he also managed to play every game and built on what was a great start to a career.

Disaster struck as O'Meara was sidelined from 2015-16 and was ultimately traded to Hawthorn at the end of 2016.

O'Meara played 44 games in his four seasons at the Suns, being that injury prevented from him being on the park.

The move to the Hawks was something fans didn't take lightly as the once-a-star player looked elsewhere to play footy.

Season 2017 was another injury-plagued season as O'Meara managed to play six games due to ongoing knee injuries.

2018 took a turn for the better as O'Meara showcased why he was picked up from an early age with his strength around stoppages and his spread from the contest made fans turn their heads.

He played 21 games in 2018 with an average of 24 touches alongside five tackles and clearances.

Season 2019 has started well for O'Meara as he has only missed two matches so far.

With no help from Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell, O'Meara has taken upon himself to drive the brown and gold to the finishing line, as his output gradually increases over the years.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 05: Jaeger O'Meara of the Suns runs the ball during the round 16 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Collingwood Magpies at Metricon Stadium on July 5, 2014 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Steven May

May made his debut in round 6, 2011 against the Bombers. As a full-back in a undermanned side, May was constantly under the pump against the best forwards in the comp.

His first two seasons at the Suns saw May play in 17 games, mainly as a defender, before being shipped forward in round 21, 2012, where he kicked three goals and took 12 marks.

Seasons 2013-14 saw May start to establish himself as one of the better key defenders as he was lining up against Lance Franklin and keeping him relatively quiet.

He continued to build his game around his strength and attack on the ball and proved pivotal in the Suns backline.

He was named co-captain at the end of 2016 and continued his gradual build in the AFL system.

May averaged 19 and 17 touches in seasons 2017-18 and was trusted to beat his opponents and to then run off and start the Suns attack.

However, the end of 2018 saw a shock trade request from the co-captain of the Suns which resulted in him coming to Melbourne.

The Dees were able to lock down the key defender who has only played two games. He has struggled to get his body right as injuries continue to keep him on the sidelines.

If May can get his body right, it will go a long way in helping the Dees' surge up the ladder as they struggle defensively as a team.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Steven May of the Suns handballs during the round eight AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Melbourne Demons at The Gabba on May 12, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Tom Lynch

The key forward made his debut in round seven, 2011 against the Brisbane Lions. Playing in the forward line and the ruck, he amassed 17 touches and kicked two goals as the Suns went on to win.

From then on, Lynch didn't miss many games that year, which saw him kick 15 goals from 13 games in his debut season.

Seasons 2012-13 were proved to be a struggle for Lynch as his lack of form and injuries meant he missed majority of the games.

However, Lynch managed to find a spark which would ultimately kick start his career into what we see him as now.

Lynch managed to only miss two games in seasons 2014-16 as he really started to become a threat up forward.

Lynch won back-to-back B&Fs in 2015 and 2016 off the back off kicking 43 and 66 goals respectively.

Lynch was also awarded with AA honours in 2016 with his tremendous output in a side that only managed six wins for the year.

The following year saw Lynch targeted more by teams in an attempt to slow and stop the scoring of this power forward.

Lynch still managed to kick 44 goals for the year as he missed a few games.

Season 2018 proved to be a disappointing year as Lynch couldn't seem to overcome his injuries. He only managed to play 10 games before the co-captain made a shock request to leave the Suns.

Richmond were the frontrunners and persuasion from former teammates and premiership players Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy meant the big forward found himself at Punt Rd.

Since coming across, Lynch has made a tremendous impact early, especially since Jack Riewoldt suffered an injury that's put him out of action for a while.

Lynch has kicked 28 goals from 13 games as he is still seeing the attention he did after his AA year in 2016.

The 26-year-old has played 144 games at an average of 2.2 goals a game.

Lynch may be a piece of the puzzle that could bring Richmond back to that ultimate success.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 7: Tom Lynch of the Suns kicks on goal during the 2018 AFL round 03 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on April 7, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Published by
Aidan Cellini