It’s hard to look past superstar forward Tom Lynch when it comes to contenders for the 2016 Gold Coast SUNS Club Champion award.

Lynch has had a stellar season, capped with his inclusion in a 40-man All Australian squad, rewarding a year in which the Victorian booted 66 goals and led the AFL in contested marks.

Last year’s Club Champion winner goes into Friday night’s count at Southport Sharks as a short-priced favourite to go back-to-back and it would take a brave man to back against him.

The real intrigue in the votes comes in the minor placings, with a number of players set to battle it out for a podium finish.

Full-back Steven May had a barnstorming finish to the season, easily in the team’s best in six of its last seven games. The question is how much May’s five-game suspension earlier in the season will affect his chances. Regardless, the Northern Territorian is one to watch as he storms home late in the count.

Skipper Gary Ablett only played in 14 games in 2016 but produced a couple of top-drawer performances that you would come to expect from the little master.

Aaron Hall started the season in elite form, averaging 32.3 disposals across the opening six games while the departing Dion Prestia also contributed in the midfield, averaging 26 disposals in 14 games before his season was prematurely ended by knee surgery.

Second-year player Touk Miller finished the year strongly (27.9 disposals per game in the final eight games) including a career-high 39 touches against Essendon and a Marcus Ashcroft medal. Miller finished fourth in last year’s count and could be a surprise packet in this year’s vote.

Peter Wright booted 27 goals in 17 games including five against the Brisbane Lions in round 16 in a breakout year for the 19-year-old. The Rising Star nominee probably hasn’t done enough to earn himself a top three finish, but will undoubtedly capture some votes on the night.

Revered leader Jarrod Harbrow played in 21 of the club’s 22 games and was a model of consistency across the season. The veteran doesn’t catch the eye of the fans but his hard work is highly regarded internally and is a lock for a top ten finish.

Jack Martin booted nine goals in the first three games before being shifted down back at the midpoint of the season in an inspired move by coach Rodney Eade. The West Australian provided plenty of rebound for the SUNS from defensive 50 whilst adding composure and cleanness with Sherrin in hand.