The Gold Coast Suns are highly touted entering the 2026 season and will host last year\u2019s Grand Finalists Geelong in the opening round.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a big opportunity for Gold Coast to set the tone for its 2026 campaign when it faces the Cats without Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield.<\/p>\n
Christian Petracca is a huge addition for the Suns this season and should play an important early role with Matt Rowell expected to miss time.<\/p>\n
Can the Suns start their season with a win, or will we see another Chris Scott masterclass?<\/p>\n
Although Matt Rowell won\u2019t be available, the Suns still enter this clash close to full strength at People First Stadium.<\/p>\n
Gold Coast has won 78% of its games at the venue since the start of 2024 and won\u2019t get a better opportunity to open the season with a victory.<\/p>\n
Geelong is missing Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield, which significantly weakens their forward half, while Bailey Smith and Gryan Miers both enter under injury clouds.<\/p>\n
While Petracca may spend more time forward this season, Rowell\u2019s absence should see him take on a larger midfield role early.<\/p>\n
He recorded 24 disposals in last week\u2019s Community Series hit-out against Brisbane, leading the Suns in touches.<\/p>\n
With O\u2019Connor and Mullin named for Geelong, one of them may run with Noah Anderson, which could allow Petracca to dominate the midfield ball.<\/p>\n
Mannagh will be an important piece of Geelong\u2019s forward structure and should hit the scoreboard.<\/p>\n
He kicked a goal in 68% of games last season and finished 2025 strongly, kicking goals in five of his final six matches.<\/p>\n
After finishing with 31 goals in 2025, Mannagh becomes even more important to the Cats\u2019 attack without Cameron and Dangerfield.<\/p>\n
Leo Lombard was one of the Suns\u2019 bright spots during the pre-season.<\/p>\n
The highly rated 2024 draft pick should see plenty of opportunity in 2026 following the departures of Ben Ainsworth and Malcolm Rosas, along with Sam Flanders shifting roles.<\/p>\n
Lombard kicked three goals against Brisbane in the Community Series and should again be heavily involved inside the Suns\u2019 forward 50.<\/p>\n