2022 Best 22 – Gold Coast Suns

I’m not too sure what to make of the Suns this year. Once again they seem to be a squad with plenty of young talent but more than ever they need to gel together and start to win some games. A lot of their players now have enough footy under their belt and if they are fair dinkum, they need to be pushing for finals this season.

Gold Coast Suns Best 22

There’s a lot to like about the Gold Coast Suns defence. Charlie Ballard is a seriously underrated player, while Sam Collins is as honest as the day is long. Will Powell is going to be a star and if Jack Lukosius isn’t already, he will be by the end of 2022. With Jack Bowes’ shoulder injury, I’ve left him out of the side which opens up a spot for Connor Budarick. He missed most of last year with a knee injury and can play a nice lockdown role as he works his way back to full fitness.

Jeremy Sharp was very impressive on the wing last year and looks to have that spot sewn up for years to come. Jarrod Witts is fit and goes straight back into the number one ruck role. He’ll be supported in the middle by Touk Miller, Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell. Brayden Fiorini and David Swallow will be part of the midfield rotations off the bench, while new recruit Charlie Constable will have to bide his time in the VFL but will be ready to go should any injuries arise.

Ben Ainsworth and Izak Rankine both need big seasons as they both haven’t delivered on the talent they possess. Sam Day has been really reliable as a forward target to help Ben King, while the arrival of Mabior Chol gives them another big target up forward but also a decent ruckman to help out Jarrod Witts.

Sam Flanders will give the Suns another classy forward/mid option while Josh Corbett showed some promising signs last year and can help as another tall target up forward or allow Sam Day to go back if required.

Not sure where Rory Atkins is at. If he’s fit he could find a spot in that side, while Nick Holman, Darcy Macpherson and Jy Farrar have shown they are capable at the level.

Hopefully we get to see Elijah Hollands at some stage this season while SANFL recruit James Tsitas could surprise a few if he gets a chance at AFL level.

CBA prediction

2021 CBA leaders (by average):

1. Zac Smith
2. Touk Miller
3. Jarrod Witts
4. Hugh Greenwood
5. Matt Rowell
6. Brayden Fiorini

The Oracle’s 2022 CBA prediction:

1. Jarrod Witts
2. Touk Miller
3. Matt Rowell
4. Noah Anderson
5. Brayden Fiorini
6. David Swallow

Kick-in prediction

2021 kick-in leaders:

1. Will Powell
2. Jack Lukosius
3. Jack Bowes

The Oracle’s 2022 kick-in prediction:

1. Will Powell
2. Jack Lukosius
3. Connor Budarick