KADE KOLODJASHNIJ
The young rebounding defender has had a consistent second year at AFL level, missing just one game in 2015.
Unusually for a half-back flanker, Kolodjashnij has had the ball in his hands more than any other Gold Coast player this year - totalling 440 disposals for the season (22 per game on average).
After being released from the backlines more regularly, the prolific runner has become dangerous with the ball in hand. Roaming along the wing, he’s leading the Suns' 'metres gained' and averages the most outside of their midfield, at 347m.
The running defender’s elite kick of the ball and composure under high pressure has also earned him selection in this year’s initial AFL 22under22 squad.
HARLEY BENNELL
Bennell has established himself as an elite ball mover for the Suns - in 10 of his 14 games he’s collected more than 20 disposals, averaging a total of 24 disposals a game this season.
His speed and ability to gain ground against opposition is a force to be reckoned with, averaging a whopping 437 'metres gained' along with three clearances and nearly five inside-50s a game.
Bennell’s season-best performance was against the Crows in Round 17 – putting 39 disposals, 672 metres gained, five clearances and nine inside-50s to his name.
Beyond the numbers, he’s described by the club as one of their “most important players”. The silky forward/midfielder has the ability to play forward and impact the scoreboard, yet also prove damaging going up and around the ball.
TOM LYNCH
Tom Lynch has been a shining light for the Suns this year.
A tough half-forward with a neat kick at goal, Lynch has influenced the competition heavily with a much lower supply. He accounts for 30 percent of Gold Coast’s inside 50 count, which as a team averages at 40 - 14 less than AFL leaders Hawthorn.
At 199cm and 101kg and boasting elite running ability, he’s hard to cover in the air and is a tough match-up.
With 40 goals and 29 behinds to his name this year, Lynch has also been selected in the AFL’s initial 22under22 squad.
