Jordan Lewis says he has a “glass half-full” perspective of the struggling Gold Coast Suns.
Stuart Dew’s side won some respect with a win over reigning premiers Richmond, a one-point victory over expansion rivals GWS and a narrow loss to the ladder-leading Western Bulldogs.
Over the past six quarters however, the Suns have conceded 31.29 and scored just 5.11 - a negative differential of 174 points.
Lewis suggests the scrutiny on the Suns may not be a match for their list profile.
“They currently sit 18th for experience (and) 18th for list age,” the four-time premiership Hawk told SEN Breakfast.
“That in turn provides a lot of inconsistencies, whether it be throughout the game, throughout the week, effort…
“I’m glass half-full on Gold Coast.
“I understand their recent performances haven’t been great, but I think if you look at the list at the moment, if they can keep themselves together, defensively they’re sound which is good.”
The Suns have practiced a possession approach this season, taking oxygen away from the opposition and backing their players to kick through the press.
Jack Lukosius, Jack Bowes and Wil Powell have established themselves behind the ball, while Ben King has booted a career-best 43 goals and counting.
Between the bookends, Matt Rowell is easing back into the top flight, Noah Anderson has averaged 21.76 disposals in 17 games and Touk Miller is in the frame for All-Australian honours.
Critically however, the Suns are missing a generation of draftees who would now be in their prime.
“They need to add to their list what you can’t get. They need to add three or four experienced players around that 26-27 age bracket,” Lewis explained.
“If they were able to get that, for me that catapults them into finals contention.”
Gold Coast signed dual premiership defender Brandon Ellis from Richmond at the end of 2019, followed by Adelaide free agent Rory Atkins last summer.
Their signings were a step up on earlier efforts to import culture at an entry level price.
Each of ex-Swan Nick Malceski, Geelong discards George Horlin-Smith and Jordan Murdoch, and former Tigers Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis have pulled on the red and gold.
Lewis says even Ellis and Atkins aren’t of the calibre that can turn the tide on the Gold Coast, however.
“There’s no club in the land that would give up a 26-27 year old A-grade player. That’s what they need,” he continued.
“They need someone experienced, but they need someone of good character, and someone that comes from a successful organisation.”
“Unfortunately for Gold Coast, they’re so hard to access and acquire.”
The answer may be as superficially simple as the current crop of rising Suns committing to the club, and maturing into the top-line talent and leaders the project needs most.
“They will go through, I think, another period of a little bit of hurt, but retention of these players is so crucial, because it can’t be fixed any other way,” Lewis concluded.
“If they don’t keep Lukosius, Rowell, Bowes and all these players, unfortunately they’ll find themselves in the same position in three years’ time.”
Gold Coast will next confront Carlton at Marvel Stadium from 1:45pm on Saturday afternoon.