Jaeger O’Meara
Returning to the Gold Coast to face his old side for the first time, Jaeger O’Meara will have circled this date on the calendar since he arrived at the Ricoh Centre.
Averaging almost 30 disposals over his first two games in the brown and gold, O’Meara has been in dominant form over the first fortnight of this season.
All football fans will be watching as O’Meara goes head-to-head against his former mentor, Gary Ablett.
Ryan Burton
Coming off a week where he earned a NAB Rising Star nomination for an outstanding game against the Crows, Burton will be afforded no time to dwell as he sets himself for a likely match-up with gun Sun Tom Lynch.
Showing no signs of being overwhelmed by Crows captain Taylor Walker last week, coach Alastair Clarkson will likely entrust the 20-year old with another unenviable task as the Hawks look to shut out, arguably, the Suns’ most important player.
Isaac Smith
By the numbers, the Gold Coast Suns are Isaac Smith’s favourite opposition side to play against. From his eight outings against the Suns, the speedy wingman has averaged 24 disposals, his highest average against any opposing side, and kicked almost 1.5 goals a game.
Having recovered from a corky against the Crows last week, Smith will be keen to help the Hawks notch up their first win of the year against the Suns.
Steven May
Having been appointed as co-captain of the Suns over the off-season, Steven May’s importance to this side has now been truly recognised.
May is one of the best stoppers in the game, having notable recent success against the Hawks. But what sets him apart from other top-line defenders around the league is his pin-point left-foot kick. May is one of the Suns’ most trusted ball-users, constantly setting up defensive 50 chains off his laser-like left foot. The Hawks will be mindful of the ball not landing in May’s hands too often.
Read: Opposition Analysis Round 3
Touk Miller
This lesser-known Gold Coast midfielder has led the way for his team throughout the first fortnight, gathering more disposals and contested possessions than any other Sun. While his star teammates’ form has faltered, Miller has offered a shining light for the struggling side.
Rated internally as a player of the future, the 21-year old was added to the Suns’ leadership group over the off-season.
