Will the AFL's new Suns shine?

The AFL final series is just around the corner. Collingwood are sitting powerfully at the top of the table with the giant Geelong Cats ready to pounce. An early season favorite, St. Kilda are third with an up and down Western Bulldogs fourth. As the other teams jostle for position in the top eight, and as pressure mounts on the bottom teams of Essendon, Richmond and West Coast, there is a name that has slipped the media scrutiny: The Gold Coast Suns. The newest kid on the AFL block moves from the VFL into the AFL next year. Their entry into next years competition has not made news in the past few weeks despite the huge impact it will have on up coming draft picks, current teams and the future of the AFL. Much has been made of their recruiting of League star Karmichael Hunt and desire to entice Gary Ablett jnr. But what do we know about the team so far?

The club was birthed out of the Gold Coast community and reflects the early passion the city had for the Brisbane Bears, now Lions, who played on the Gold Coast for several years. The AFL have seen this passion and a strategic market in South East Queensland. With the support of the Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Government, the AFL have backed the Suns with some impressive support. This includes priority draft picks and $10m AFL financial support for their new Carrara stadium. They are banking on success on and off the field in the short term. Some have even speculated that the Suns could see a finals spot within the first three years. The Suns really are an exciting development for the AFL and a breath of fresh air for the 2011 season.

Their 2010 VFL season results have lacked the punch they will need next year. Admittedly, the Suns are in a development phase, nurturing their young players and preparing for the end of season draft. The Gold Coast have also had to endure extensive travel to their games. This has resulted in some solid defeats. One by the top of the table Northern Bullants was 26.10 (166) to Gold Coast Suns 9.7 (61). A highlight was their solid performance at home against Frankston 15. 13. (103) to 7. 4. (46). The VFL ladder sees the Gold Coast seated 10th, a long way back from a top eight result.

The Suns' coaches Guy McKenna, Shaun Hart and Ken Hinkley have some work to do leading up to next year, but are more than capable of bringing the team together. Keep an eye on the Suns over the next few months because their entry into the AFL will be worth watching.