Michael Whiting from afl.com.au evaluates the Gold Coast SUNS midfield options this season.

Gary Ablett: He's now 30, but there is little doubt Ablett is still the best player in the game. The dual Brownlow medallist has taken a cautious approach to his rehab from the dislocated shoulder that ruled him out of the final seven weeks last season, but he will be right come round one. Has used his recovery time to be in the best shape of his career, clocking personal bests over 2km at training. 

Harley Bennell: A minor pre-season calf injury has not slowed Bennell down. The silky-skilled West Australian missed a few weeks of training, but is back in full flight. Previously seen as an outside ball specialist with sublime finishing skills, Bennell stepped up big time in Ablett's absence last year and showed he could mix it with anyone around the contested ball.

Daniel Gorringe: Big year for the athletic ruckman who has failed to cement a regular spot in his four seasons. Gorringe asked for a trade in the off-season but has ended up back at the SUNS, where new coach Rodney Eade has trialled him on a wing and in defence during the pre-season.

Mitch Hallahan: Stuck behind a plethora of superstars at Hawthorn, Hallahan has headed north after just six games in four seasons. He is a strong-bodied inside midfielder, and although not blessed with great speed, knows how to find the ball. Hallahan is expected to do a lot of the inside grunt work to ease the burden on Ablett, Swallow, Prestia and O'Meara.

Jesse Lonergan: The energetic Tasmanian has struggled for a slice of luck in his first two seasons, suffering two broken hands and two torn hamstrings. He rolled an ankle in the pre-season, but has bounced back and is pushing for senior selection.

Jack Martin: An uninterrupted pre-season has the prodigiously talented West Australian in ideal shape for his second year. He is stronger and fitter, which is a scary thought for opposition players and coaches. Martin is still lightly framed but is strong over the ball, spring-heeled and has exquisite skills on both sides of his body. Watch for him to mix time between half-forward and the midfield.

Tom Nicholls: A PCL injury interrupted a promising 2014 for Nicholls and now he is in a dogfight with Zac Smith for the No.1 ruck role. Extremely talented around stoppages, Nicholls is also good once the ball hits the ground.

Jaeger O'Meara: O'Meara had surgery to both knees late last year, disrupting his pre-season. However, the 21-year-old is as diligent as any player on the SUNS list. Is expected to play the final pre-season match and be available for round one.

Dion Prestia: After an outstanding past two seasons, Prestia can be relied upon for the same output most weeks. Like many of his teammates, had a slightly interrupted pre-season with back and hamstring niggles, but will be right to go against Melbourne in the first game. Mixes pace and outside dash with a hunger for the inside ball.

Andrew Raines: Given a lifeline after being delisted by the Lions, the professional Raines has been recruited as a mature rookie to help add depth to the inexperienced midfield. A PCL injury has derailed his pre-season, and while Raines is primarily expected to add guidance at NEAFL level, he can also step in and do a job for the seniors should he be required.

Michael Rischitelli: Finally over his injuries, Rischitelli revived his flagging career in 2014. He played 21 games, averaged 19 disposals and was a beacon of consistency. Still a valuable contributor with his ability to absorb punishment around the contest, win the contested ball and use it well off both sides of his body.

Luke Russell: Seemingly fell out of favour last season, but Russell has overcome a hip injury and will be in consideration for the starting 22 again. The Tasmanian has good speed and a thumping kick and at his best is another quality outside runner for the SUNS mix.

Alex Sexton: Had an excellent pre-season and thrown his name right into the mix. Looks composed in traffic and has good speed and agility, so don't be surprised to see Sexton get some chances early in the year.

Matt Shaw: The midfielder has put together a strong pre-season at Metricon Stadium and will be fighting for a spot in Rodney Eade’s round one side. He runs hard both ways and is best used on the wing where he can utilise his excellent endurance.

Zac Smith: If his first NAB Challenge outing against Geelong is any indication Smith looks a new man. Dogged by injury over recent seasons, the athletic ruckman appears to have found the long sought-after aggression the coaching staff and supporters have been waiting to see. If Smith can produce that physicality on a weekly basis, it will help his push to be the No.1 ruckman and his team's push to the finals.

David Swallow: The former No.1 draft pick won his first best and fairest last year after a magnificent season. Swallow has always been a courageous inside player, but in 2014 began to get more on the outside, where he could use his blistering acceleration and improving skills. An uninterrupted pre-season leaves him in good shape for a repeat performance this year.