They call them the Suns for a reason – it does get hot on the Gold Coast.
But critics must have thought the AFL club’s chairman John Witheriff had soaked up a ray or 11 too many after his pre-season claim that Gold Coast would win their first premiership by 2015.
Many could argue the first priority of a club that has a 6-38 overall record should be worrying about their next win rather than a maiden flag.
However, Gold Coast have always dreamed big.
Even the most optimistic of Suns fans would admit their season’s hopes had always been summed up by one man – Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett.
But suddenly the dual premiership winner has a more than worthy support cast.
Indeed the Suns captain faces the future prospect of – gasp – being outshone in a midfield boasting the likes of Harley Bennell, David Swallow and 2013 newcomer Jaeger O’Meara.
Swallow was a hard act to follow in 2011 but the once-troubled Bennell did his best to set a new standard last year.
AFL experts are still raving about his 37-disposal, three-goal round six effort that almost nabbed an upset win over Fremantle.
Then there’s his 38-touch, four-goal heroics against Melbourne in round 19.
Bennell kept Ablett honest to finish second behind the six-time All-Australian in the Suns’ 2012 best and fairest.
It’s impressive stuff – but it may pale in comparison to what O’Meara produces in upcoming seasons.
The WA teenager has already earned comparisons with Carlton legend Chris Judd.
Even Ablett has added to the hype, anointing the 18-year-old as a future Gold Coast captain.
And he hasn’t even played a senior game yet.
Still, it gives Suns fans plenty to get excited about – and just as well.
Some more lean years may lie ahead despite Witheriff’s optimism, and Suns coach Guy McKenna’s abundance of stats.
Promising data helped McKenna not only survive Gold Coast becoming newcomer Greater Western Sydney’s first victims in 2012 but also extend his contract for another two years last May.
“Last year we were in front eight times at halftime, five other occasions we were less than two kicks out of it,” McKenna said.
“That’s 13 of 22 games. If we did that same thing until three-quarter time this year I think we are going to win a few more games.”
Still, McKenna’s future will eventually boil down to one stat alone – wins.
Cynics could argue the Suns only have two major problems ahead of 2013 – defence and attack.
But at least they have moved to address one of those concerns.
While they sweat on Nathan Bock (broken leg), the Suns have injected ex-Docker Greg Broughton and former Hawk Tom Murphy into a back six to complement the likes of Matthew Warnock, Rory Thompson, veteran Campbell Brown and Jarrod Harbrow.
In the forward line, the Suns will again have high hopes for Tom Lynch despite him kicking just 12 majors last season.
“I look back at West Coast’s history and it was no different,” said former Eagles premiership player McKenna.
“A lot of our group emerged into finals contention after our third and fourth pre-season – and I think we are up for the fight.”