With less than four weeks until NAB Challenge and nine weeks until opening round, questions of selection have started to loom around Metricon Stadium.

The Gold Coast SUNS have had over 40 players at full-training capacity throughout much of the pre-season so far and veterans and rookies alike are eyeing off key spots.

Senior coach Rodney Eade told The Gold Coast Bulletin that match simulation training had brought to light the competition surrounding the half-forward positions.

WATCH: Match simulation training

“There are quite a few players vying for those spots,” Eade said.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t play two or three of them at the same time but it will be interesting to see how it pans out.”

The likes of Brandon Matera, Jarrod Garlett and Touk Miller might seem like frontrunners for the positions, however, Aaron Hall, Jack Martin, Alex Sexton and draftee Callum Ah Chee are hot on their tails.

Matera’s vastly increased work ethic has been duly noted by the coaching staff, as has Hall’s form coming off last season where he proved his ability to create quick plays out of the midfield.

READ: Matera's renewed energy for 2016

Season 2015 forced many players into unfamiliar territory in order to fill positions where needed due to injury.

It’s safe to say the overflow of talent now available to Eade is a welcome start to 2016.