The Suns appear to be rising in 2016.

After five rounds of the premiership season, Gold Coast sits seventh on the ladder with a 3-2 record. Their vice-captain Tom Lynch already has 34 votes to lead the AFL Coaches Association player of the year award and the team as a whole is playing some exciting football in Rodney Eade’s second year at the helm.

The wins have come from convincing displays against the lowly Essendon, Fremantle and Carlton – though an upset loss to rival Brisbane followed by a regulation defeat to North Melbourne means there are those who question whether the young side’s form really is as good as their record may suggest.

Importantly however, the Suns are enjoying a period of organic growth within their playing list and are no longer relying on one man. As the side prepares to face Geelong this week, that growth has never been more important thanks to a mounting injury and suspension crisis.

Already without rising stars Jaeger O’Meara and David Swallow through long-term knee injuries, the Suns have now lost vice-captain Michael Rischitelli and young ball-winner Dion Prestia. All are vital cogs in the Gold Coast midfield machine, but in their wake stands Aaron Hall – perhaps the most improved player in the game – and the highly rated Jesse Lonergan.

The leader of the pack is of course Gary Ablett Jnr – though he too finds himself under a cloud. Arguably the best player in the game when at his peak, injuries have slowly begun to catch up with the little champion and he does appear banged up ahead of his return home to Simonds Stadium to face his former side.

The Suns’ defence is also running low with Steven May serving a four-game suspension and Rory Thompson sidelined with an ankle. Running defender Adam Saad has been listed as a test this week with a groin injury and may also not travel south.

With spots clearly up for grabs, mature-aged recruit Mackenzie Willis finds himself firmly in the frame for his senior debut after consistent NEAFL form. Named emergency in rounds four and five, Willis is obviously considered close and the absence of Rischitelli could get him across the line.

Rookie Darcy MacPherson is another name who may be called upon after a 33-disposal performance for the Suns reserves.

The talented Brandon Matera had a day out with 28 disposals, eight marks and two goals in the NEAFL as he looks for a senior recall, whilst defender Henry Schade took 11 marks amongst his 23 disposals to keep his name in the conversation.

Despite being widely regarded as the number one ruckman at the Suns, Tom Nicholls found himself dropped last week in favour of former Swan and Roo Daniel Currie. Nicholls had 33 hit-outs and 16 disposals at NEAFL level whilst Currie managed 21 hit-outs against All-Australian ruckman Todd Goldstein to acquit himself admirably.

Finally, utility Ryan Davis may be immediately recalled after being rested last week.

With two potential changes, here is how the Gold Coast Suns are predicted to line up in round six against the Cats:

OUT: M. Rischitelli, L. Russell

IN: M. Willis, H. Schade