Season preview - Gold Coast

Essential information
Coach: Guy McKenna
2011 season: 3 wins, 19 losses (17th overall)

Player changes
In: Jackson Allen, Alik Magin, Alex Sexton, Matthew Warnock (from Melbourne), Jaegar O'Meara
Out: Nathan Ablett, Roland Ah Chee, Michael Coad, Jake Crawford, Joseph Daye, Daniel Harris, Marc Lock, Jack Stanlake, Jack Stanley, Joel Tippett



Players to watch:
Karmichael Hunt: Last year he was viewed as a novelty. This year, if pre-season form is any guide, he'll be judged as a footballer, moving into the midfield as well as a leadership role at the Suns. Good performances will no doubt give news outlets the chance to trot out their 'Special K' headlines
Liam Patrick: Dubbed the 'Lajamanu Lightning Bolt' back home in the Northern Territory, Patrick has an impressive set of tricks to go with impressive speed and a great leap. Now just needs to play some games

Questions to ask Gold Coast supporters:

• How many wins would you be happy with this year?
• Do you think Gary Ablett can win a Brownlow with the Suns?

Questions not to ask:

• How come the Gold Coast's most famous resident, Warwick Capper, isn't involved at the club?
• Couldn't you come up with better uniforms?

Predicition: The Suns were almost unlucky to 'win' the wooden spoon last year, and by no account was their first season a failure. Expect the Suns to stay in contests longer this year and try to win a few more games at home. Any team with Gary Ablett in it is worth watching, and a few good performances, maybe even pinching a win or two, will see the white sand-shoe brigade streaming into Metricon Stadium. Bottom four.