Levi Casboult will become the oldest player in Gold Coast SUNS history in Saturday’s opening round clash with Richmond at People First Stadium.

Set to turn 34 on 15 March, he will surpass foundation player Michael Rischitelli, who was 33 years 228 days in his last game in 2019.

Going into his third season with the SUNS after 10 years and 154 games at Carlton, Casboult will play his 42^nd game in red and gold to move to within striking distance of the ‘golden oldies’ club record.

Only Rischitelli (44), Jarrod Harbrow (44) and Gary Ablett (42) have played more games for the Gold Coast beyond the age of 30 than Casboult, who already has surpassed Nick Malceski (34), Pearce Hanley (24), Matt Rosa (24) and current pair David Swallow (23) and Jarrod Witts (21).

The ‘golden oldies’ will welcome a new member on Saturday when Alex Sexton becomes the 18^th player to play for the club beyond 30.’

Already 4^th on the SUNS all-time games list at 166 and 2^nd for all-time goals at 162, a rejuvenated Sexton, used in a new role across half back in the pre-season, will join a group that also includes Zac Smith, Matthew Warnock, Brandon Ellis, Michael Barlow, Sam Day, Rory Thompson, Nathan Bock and Josh Fraser.

Set to do likewise this year are vice-captain Sam Collins, who will turn 30 on 15 June, and Rory Atkins, who will reach the same milestone on 12 July.

Former captain Swallow will play in the SUNS’ opening game of the season for the 12^th time, and co-captain Touk Miller will do so for the 10^th time in a row. Bailey Humphrey, Malcolm Rosas and Tom Berry will play in their first season-opener.