King is a critical piece in the rebuilding of the Suns list and his commitment is a show of faith in the club and in coach Stuart Dew,who is out of contract at season’s end.
The next big signing for the Suns will be Jack Lukosius,who is also out of contract at the end of the year. Fellow South Australian,small forward Izaak Rankine,is also out of contract,but his form at the top level has not yet been consistently strong.
Star midfield pair Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson are both committed until the end of next year.
The Suns already had a plan to move Lukosius forward this year,but that was given extra urgency once King went down and the Suns needed more avenues to goal.
The Suns are still bullish about improvement with the return of influential captain Jarrod Witts in the ruck in particular,after his absence with injury last year corresponded with the Suns’ drop away in form.
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Rowell has had a full pre-season after he spent last year playing catch up from injury and will join with Touk Miller and Anderson in the midfield,creating a group that is reaching an age where they can be far more competitive and influential this year.
The arrival of athletic tall Mabior Chol from Richmond,who can help in the ruck and key position,and former Carlton veteran Levi Casboult gives the Suns some experienced players forward of the ball to cover King’s loss and provide stability.
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