{
  "id": 17466830,
  "title": "The Suns started their rebuild when half their roster were just kids",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/the-suns-started-their-rebuild-when-half-their-roster-were-just-kids",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T20:27:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-01/gold-coast-suns-aflw-rebuild/107322264"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2025, the Gold Coast Suns kicked off a new rebuild phase in the AFLW, despite being at the bottom of the ladder and facing a daunting task. The club's new head coach, Rhyce Shaw, had a clear vision and a specific plan in place. The Suns were conceding an alarming number of points and goals, which was by design to facilitate the integration of young talent through the draft. The shift in game plan was implemented even before these rookies arrived, with the primary goal of improving their overall attack and scoring ability.\n\nThis strategy led to some poor results, but Shaw believed it was necessary for the long-term success of the team. The Suns' game style changed from contested and stoppage-heavy to a more controlled, kick-mark approach. This change was crucial for developing players like Sunny Lappin, Mikayla Nurse, Ava Usher, and Dekota Baron, who would later become key contributors.\n\nThroughout their rebuild, the Suns faced growing pains, including giving up high numbers of points, inside 50s, marks, and shots on goal. However, these losses were a necessary sacrifice for the greater good of a more productive and attacking football style. The Suns' average score dropped from 28.3 in 2024 to 26.6 in 2025, but they managed to score 30 points or more in five games, a significant improvement from the previous year's three.\n\nThe Suns' commitment to this attacking style bore fruit, as they ended the season with the highest average score in their history. With a strong defense and the addition of key players like Daisy D Arcy and Georja Davies, the Suns are well-positioned to continue their upward trajectory and aim for a finals spot.",
  "summary": "The Suns are on the brink of the AFLW finals with a slew of young stars who were just kids when this rebuild began.",
  "key_points": [
    "Suns initiated rebuild with inexperienced roster in 2025 AFLW season",
    "New head coach Rhyce Shaw implemented controlled, kick-mark style",
    "Suns ended season with highest average score in franchise history"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}