We're just days away from our season opener against North Melbourne in Cairns and AFL Media have taken a look out our backline stocks player by player.

Pearce Hanley

The Irishman dislocated his shoulder in the second JLT Community Series clash against Brisbane and will miss the first few rounds. It continues a wretched run since moving to the SUNS that included a foot injury and broken hand in 2017. Still a damaging half-back when fit.

Jarrod Harbrow

The veteran defender seems to get better with age. Had a scintillating first half of last season before going slightly off the boil. Harbrow is now 29 but offers genuine speed from the back half. Is still so crucial to the SUNS' success.

Josh Jaska

A key defender with good closing speed and an ability to win one-on-ones, Jaska helped Geelong to the TAC Cup premiership. Had a good pre-season but needs to add strength and will spend the season developing in the NEAFL.

Jesse Joyce

Has continued to improve over the past two seasons with his composure and disciplined defending. Joyce is a rock-solid back pocket with a no-fuss approach and should be a regular in 2018.

Kade Kolodjashnij

Had the final 10 weeks of last season wiped out with injury. Kolodjashnij had just started to recapture some of the form that shot him to prominence over his first two years. Will play with headgear at half-back.

Jack Leslie

Emerged as a genuine option in key defence when either May or Thompson missed games last season. Leslie is a strong man and loves to go for his marks. Will most likely start in the NEAFL but is knocking on the door.

Steven May

The club's captain is the heartbeat of its backline. May has a great mix between aggression and skill and improved as last season wore on. Is at his best when taking the opposition's best forward, and his form is often a barometer for his team.

Connor Nutting

Another Academy product that is being groomed as a key defender. Nutting is quick, agile and a safe kick but needs to work on his endurance. Can also be swung to the other end of the ground to play as a forward.

Michael Rischitelli

One of coach Stuart Dew's first positional moves has been to relocate Rischitelli from the midfield to defence. The veteran spent most of last season recovering from a ruptured ACL but has had a flawless pre-season and should provide a cool head in the defensive 50.

Jack Scrimshaw

Just like his first 12 months at the club, Scrimshaw has spent much of his pre-season trying to improve his strength and fitness. Ideally is an attacking half-back but still seems a fair way off being a regular senior player.

Max Spencer

Progressed ahead of time last year, playing the final five games of the season. Standing 190cm, he played as a key defender, was competitive with the ball in the air and on the ground and showed he didn't mind linking up in attack. 

Rory Thompson

Has struggled for continuity over his career, but with Leslie breathing down his neck for a spot, has put in one of his best pre-seasons yet. Thompson is a reliable shutdown defender that complement's May well.

Harrison Wigg

After moving north from Adelaide, Wigg fractured his ankle in his first month at the club. The 21-year-old has a penetrating left boot and is being groomed as a half-back. Wigg has recovered well and should be available early in the season.

Mackenzie Willis

Was thrown a second chance by the SUNS when they re-rookied him last year. Willis has played five senior games in two seasons but spent most of his time in the NEAFL. The Tasmanian is strong-bodied and ideally plays in the midfield but has turned himself into a reliable half-back.