The reality of our great game is you must kick a winning score to get up each week. Who will kick our goals in 2015?
Michael Whiting from AFL Media has taken a look at the Gold Coast SUNS attacking options ahead of this season.
Keegan Brooksby: Mature-age rookie from South Australia, Brooksby has mainly been drafted to provide competition in the ruck to Zac Smith and Tom Nicholls, but has trained forward to fill a role there if required. He is super competitive both in the air and on the ground.
Andrew Boston: Missed a big chunk of last season after badly dislocating his ankle, and has had a disrupted build-up to 2015 with a recurrence of the same problem. Boston is a clever half-forward and arguably the team's best set shot at goal.
Sam Day: Big season coming up for the former No.3 draft pick who showed glimpses of his best in 2014. Four-goal hauls against the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood have shown the athletically-gifted Day is good enough. Has trained in defence, and despite a nagging calf injury, should start in the forward line come round one.
Charlie Dixon: Bullocking forward who is one of the SUNS' most valuable players. Dixon has been plagued by injuries over his short career, and an ankle problem has again limited his pre-season. Will be unavailable for the opening rounds, but his aggression both as a marking forward and second ruck are crucial to Gold Coast's success.
Tyrone Downie: Another mature-age rookie, drafted from Bendigo, Downie comes to the SUNS as a clever marking forward.
Jarred Ellis: Second season on the list for the speedy Queenslander, Ellis has trained as a half-forward during the pre-season.
Jarrod Garlett: Taken with pick No.15 in last year's draft, Garlett has impressed during his first pre-season and is right in the frame for a round one start. Capable of doing almost anything, he is quick, has great endurance and can kick goals from improbable angles. Was a midfielder in the juniors, but has worked hard on defensive pressure and will start up forward to launch his AFL career.
Aaron Hall: After a topsy-turvy 2014 Hall spent much of the pre-season recovering from groin surgery. He played 16 games last year but was dropped on multiple occasions for inconsistent form. He will need some time to work into the season, but is quick and is certainly capable of kicking multiple goals as a small forward (44 in 46 games).
Josh Hall: After three years as a rookie, the former Australian high jump representative has been elevated to the senior list. With injuries to Dixon and Day during the pre-season, Hall was exposed to the top level during the NAB Challenge and showed glimpses he could mix it.
Louis Herbert: One year into his AFL career and Herbert is still far from the finished product. A half-forward who is quick and good at ground level, Herbert needs to work on his tackling pressure to force a spot in the starting 22.
Tom Lynch: Lynch is the cornerstone of the SUNS' forward line and one of the best young talls in the AFL. The 22-year-old had a breakout season in 2014, kicking 46 goals, and patrols the difficult centre half-forward role with a combination of elite endurance, strong hands in the air and clean hands on the ground. Lynch will miss round one through suspension.
Brandon Matera: Much like Dixon, Matera has been plagued by injury for much of his brief career, but has got through one of his best pre-seasons to date. Kicked 27 goals in 16 matches last year but like his teammates, faded as the season wore on. Matera is terrific around goals, with his evasive skills and clever left foot able to create goals out of nothing.
Touk Miller: Super impressive pre-season after being taken by the SUNS at No.30 in last year's draft. Miller is a coach's dream, chasing anything that moves in the forward 50, and is firmly in the picture to play in round one.
Timmy Sumner: Now entering his third season, Sumner has work to do to retain his spot in the senior team. Has had a solid pre-season, and with his tremendous power and explosive pace, has some attributes that can help any outfit.
Peter Wright: The SUNS' first pick in last year's draft (No.8 overall), Wright is a long-term key forward prospect. Had a strong pre-season that has only been slightly curtailed with a niggling knee injury.
Keegan Brooksby: Mature-age rookie from South Australia, Brooksby has mainly been drafted as a back-up in the ruck to Zac Smith and Tom Nicholls, but has trained forward to fill a role there if required. Kicking skills need some work, but he is super competitive both in the air and on the ground.
Andrew Boston: Missed a big chunk of last season after badly dislocating his ankle, and has had a disrupted build-up to 2015 with a recurrence of the same problem. Boston is a clever half-forward and arguably the team's best set shot at goal. Has now slid down the pecking order a bit, but still a chance to play games once he returns to fitness.
Sam Day: Big season coming up for the former No.3 draft pick who showed glimpses of his best in 2014. Four-goal hauls against the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood have shown the athletically-gifted Day is good enough, but he just has to do it more often. Has trained in defence, and despite a nagging calf injury, should start in the forward line come round one.
Charlie Dixon: Bullocking forward who is one of the Suns' most valuable players. Dixon has been plagued by injuries over his short career, and an ankle problem has again limited his pre-season. Will be unavailable for the opening rounds, but his aggression both as a marking forward and second ruck are crucial to Gold Coast's success.
Tyrone Downie: Another mature-age rookie, drafted from Bendigo, Downie comes to the Suns as a clever marking forward. Caught behind a logjam of similar types, the 26-year-old will likely spend most of his time playing in the NEAFL this year.
Jarred Ellis: Second season on the list for the speedy Queenslander, Ellis has trained as a half-forward during the pre-season. Still needing to tidy up his skills, the 19-year-old will start off in the reserves.
Jarrod Garlett: Taken with pick No.15 in last year's draft, Garlett has impressed during his first pre-season and is right in the frame for a round one start. Capable of doing almost anything, he is quick, has great endurance and can kick goals from improbable angles. Was a midfielder in the juniors, but has worked hard on defensive pressure and will start up forward to launch his AFL career.
Aaron Hall: After a topsy-turvy 2014 Hall spent much of the pre-season recovering from groin surgery. He played 16 games last year but was dropped on multiple occasions for inconsistent form. Hel will need some time to work into the season, but is quick and is certainly capable of kicking multiple goals as a small forward (44 in 46 games).
Josh Hall: After three years as a rookie, the former Australian high jump representative has been elevated to the senior list. With injuries to Dixon and Day during the pre-season, Hall was exposed to the top level during the NAB Challenge and showed glimpses he could mix it. Still with a lot of improving to do, the 24-year-old will start as a back-up key position player to his bigger name teammates.
Louis Herbert: One year into his AFL career and Herbert is still far from the finished product. A half-forward who is quick and good at ground level, Herbert needs to work on his tackling pressure to force a spot in the starting 22.
Tom Lynch: Lynch is the cornerstone of the Suns' forward line and one of the best young talls in the AFL. The 22-year-old had a breakout season in 2014, kicking 46 goals, and patrols the difficult centre half-forward role with a combination of elite endurance, strong hands in the air and clean hands on the ground. Lynch will miss round one through suspension.
Brandon Matera: Much like Dixon, Matera has been plagued by injury for much of his brief career, but has got through one of his best pre-seasons to date. Kicked 27 goals in 16 matches last year but like his teammates, faded as the season wore on. Matera is terrific around goals, with his evasive skills and clever left foot able to create goals out of nothing.
Touk Miller: Super impressive pre-season after being taken by the Suns at No.30 in last year's draft. Miller is a coach's dream, chasing anything that moves in the forward 50, and is firmly in the picture to play in round one.
Timmy Sumner: Now entering his third season, Sumner has work to do to retain his spot in the senior team. Has had a solid pre-season, and with his tremendous power and explosive pace, has some attributes that can help any outfit. Turned the ball over a little too often last year and needs to clean that up.
Peter Wright: The Suns' first pick in last year's draft (No.8 overall), Wright is a long-term key forward prospect. Had a strong pre-season that has only been slightly curtailed with a niggling knee injury. The Suns are in no hurry to rush him into the seniors – although injuries may dictate otherwise – and would like him to develop his strength in the NEAFL. - Michael Whiting
- See more at: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-11/forward-thinking-part-one#sthash.8UlXgP1D.dpufKeegan Brooksby: Mature-age rookie from South Australia, Brooksby has mainly been drafted as a back-up in the ruck to Zac Smith and Tom Nicholls, but has trained forward to fill a role there if required. Kicking skills need some work, but he is super competitive both in the air and on the ground.
Andrew Boston: Missed a big chunk of last season after badly dislocating his ankle, and has had a disrupted build-up to 2015 with a recurrence of the same problem. Boston is a clever half-forward and arguably the team's best set shot at goal. Has now slid down the pecking order a bit, but still a chance to play games once he returns to fitness.
Sam Day: Big season coming up for the former No.3 draft pick who showed glimpses of his best in 2014. Four-goal hauls against the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood have shown the athletically-gifted Day is good enough, but he just has to do it more often. Has trained in defence, and despite a nagging calf injury, should start in the forward line come round one.
Charlie Dixon: Bullocking forward who is one of the Suns' most valuable players. Dixon has been plagued by injuries over his short career, and an ankle problem has again limited his pre-season. Will be unavailable for the opening rounds, but his aggression both as a marking forward and second ruck are crucial to Gold Coast's success.
Tyrone Downie: Another mature-age rookie, drafted from Bendigo, Downie comes to the Suns as a clever marking forward. Caught behind a logjam of similar types, the 26-year-old will likely spend most of his time playing in the NEAFL this year.
Jarred Ellis: Second season on the list for the speedy Queenslander, Ellis has trained as a half-forward during the pre-season. Still needing to tidy up his skills, the 19-year-old will start off in the reserves.
Jarrod Garlett: Taken with pick No.15 in last year's draft, Garlett has impressed during his first pre-season and is right in the frame for a round one start. Capable of doing almost anything, he is quick, has great endurance and can kick goals from improbable angles. Was a midfielder in the juniors, but has worked hard on defensive pressure and will start up forward to launch his AFL career.
Aaron Hall: After a topsy-turvy 2014 Hall spent much of the pre-season recovering from groin surgery. He played 16 games last year but was dropped on multiple occasions for inconsistent form. Hel will need some time to work into the season, but is quick and is certainly capable of kicking multiple goals as a small forward (44 in 46 games).
Josh Hall: After three years as a rookie, the former Australian high jump representative has been elevated to the senior list. With injuries to Dixon and Day during the pre-season, Hall was exposed to the top level during the NAB Challenge and showed glimpses he could mix it. Still with a lot of improving to do, the 24-year-old will start as a back-up key position player to his bigger name teammates.
Louis Herbert: One year into his AFL career and Herbert is still far from the finished product. A half-forward who is quick and good at ground level, Herbert needs to work on his tackling pressure to force a spot in the starting 22.
Tom Lynch: Lynch is the cornerstone of the Suns' forward line and one of the best young talls in the AFL. The 22-year-old had a breakout season in 2014, kicking 46 goals, and patrols the difficult centre half-forward role with a combination of elite endurance, strong hands in the air and clean hands on the ground. Lynch will miss round one through suspension.
Brandon Matera: Much like Dixon, Matera has been plagued by injury for much of his brief career, but has got through one of his best pre-seasons to date. Kicked 27 goals in 16 matches last year but like his teammates, faded as the season wore on. Matera is terrific around goals, with his evasive skills and clever left foot able to create goals out of nothing.
Touk Miller: Super impressive pre-season after being taken by the Suns at No.30 in last year's draft. Miller is a coach's dream, chasing anything that moves in the forward 50, and is firmly in the picture to play in round one.
Timmy Sumner: Now entering his third season, Sumner has work to do to retain his spot in the senior team. Has had a solid pre-season, and with his tremendous power and explosive pace, has some attributes that can help any outfit. Turned the ball over a little too often last year and needs to clean that up.
Peter Wright: The Suns' first pick in last year's draft (No.8 overall), Wright is a long-term key forward prospect. Had a strong pre-season that has only been slightly curtailed with a niggling knee injury. The Suns are in no hurry to rush him into the seniors – although injuries may dictate otherwise – and would like him to develop his strength in the NEAFL. - Michael Whiting
- See more at: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-11/forward-thinking-part-one#sthash.8UlXgP1D.dpufKeegan Brooksby: Mature-age rookie from South Australia, Brooksby has mainly been drafted as a back-up in the ruck to Zac Smith and Tom Nicholls, but has trained forward to fill a role there if required. Kicking skills need some work, but he is super competitive both in the air and on the ground.
Andrew Boston: Missed a big chunk of last season after badly dislocating his ankle, and has had a disrupted build-up to 2015 with a recurrence of the same problem. Boston is a clever half-forward and arguably the team's best set shot at goal. Has now slid down the pecking order a bit, but still a chance to play games once he returns to fitness.
Sam Day: Big season coming up for the former No.3 draft pick who showed glimpses of his best in 2014. Four-goal hauls against the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood have shown the athletically-gifted Day is good enough, but he just has to do it more often. Has trained in defence, and despite a nagging calf injury, should start in the forward line come round one.
Charlie Dixon: Bullocking forward who is one of the Suns' most valuable players. Dixon has been plagued by injuries over his short career, and an ankle problem has again limited his pre-season. Will be unavailable for the opening rounds, but his aggression both as a marking forward and second ruck are crucial to Gold Coast's success.
Tyrone Downie: Another mature-age rookie, drafted from Bendigo, Downie comes to the Suns as a clever marking forward. Caught behind a logjam of similar types, the 26-year-old will likely spend most of his time playing in the NEAFL this year.
Jarred Ellis: Second season on the list for the speedy Queenslander, Ellis has trained as a half-forward during the pre-season. Still needing to tidy up his skills, the 19-year-old will start off in the reserves.
Jarrod Garlett: Taken with pick No.15 in last year's draft, Garlett has impressed during his first pre-season and is right in the frame for a round one start. Capable of doing almost anything, he is quick, has great endurance and can kick goals from improbable angles. Was a midfielder in the juniors, but has worked hard on defensive pressure and will start up forward to launch his AFL career.
Aaron Hall: After a topsy-turvy 2014 Hall spent much of the pre-season recovering from groin surgery. He played 16 games last year but was dropped on multiple occasions for inconsistent form. Hel will need some time to work into the season, but is quick and is certainly capable of kicking multiple goals as a small forward (44 in 46 games).
Josh Hall: After three years as a rookie, the former Australian high jump representative has been elevated to the senior list. With injuries to Dixon and Day during the pre-season, Hall was exposed to the top level during the NAB Challenge and showed glimpses he could mix it. Still with a lot of improving to do, the 24-year-old will start as a back-up key position player to his bigger name teammates.
Louis Herbert: One year into his AFL career and Herbert is still far from the finished product. A half-forward who is quick and good at ground level, Herbert needs to work on his tackling pressure to force a spot in the starting 22.
Tom Lynch: Lynch is the cornerstone of the Suns' forward line and one of the best young talls in the AFL. The 22-year-old had a breakout season in 2014, kicking 46 goals, and patrols the difficult centre half-forward role with a combination of elite endurance, strong hands in the air and clean hands on the ground. Lynch will miss round one through suspension.
Brandon Matera: Much like Dixon, Matera has been plagued by injury for much of his brief career, but has got through one of his best pre-seasons to date. Kicked 27 goals in 16 matches last year but like his teammates, faded as the season wore on. Matera is terrific around goals, with his evasive skills and clever left foot able to create goals out of nothing.
Touk Miller: Super impressive pre-season after being taken by the Suns at No.30 in last year's draft. Miller is a coach's dream, chasing anything that moves in the forward 50, and is firmly in the picture to play in round one.
Timmy Sumner: Now entering his third season, Sumner has work to do to retain his spot in the senior team. Has had a solid pre-season, and with his tremendous power and explosive pace, has some attributes that can help any outfit. Turned the ball over a little too often last year and needs to clean that up.
Peter Wright: The Suns' first pick in last year's draft (No.8 overall), Wright is a long-term key forward prospect. Had a strong pre-season that has only been slightly curtailed with a niggling knee injury. The Suns are in no hurry to rush him into the seniors – although injuries may dictate otherwise – and would like him to develop his strength in the NEAFL. - Michael Whiting
- See more at: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-11/forward-thinking-part-one#sthash.8UlXgP1D.dpuf
