Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine retained their spots for Gold Coast’s match against Sydney on Saturday, despite their underwhelming form.
Lukosius is averaging 12 disposals so far this season, while Rankine has kicked two goals in his past four matches, including back-to-back games without a major.
The Suns duo, top five selections in the 2018 National Draft, are both coming out of contract at the end of the 2022 season.
North Melbourne champion David King says the Suns pair and the team as a collective must lift with the club precariously placed at 2-5 after seven rounds.
“The Gold Coast Suns have won four quarters of football in four weeks,” King told SEN’s The Picks.
“That’s bottom of the barrel stuff. Even the West Coast Eagles have won three.
“Last chance scenario for those two (Lukosius and Rankine). Have some impact.
“Maybe the coach (Stuart Dew) has to do something more with Izak to get him in the game.”
Co-host Sam Edmund asked: “Lukosius has been alright, hasn’t he?”
King replied: “He’s just been sifting around the ground at half pace, it reminds me of Cale Morton the way that he’s playing.
“High draft pick, enormous talent, taller midfielder, can play a little bit back and forward – but nail down a position, Jack, and get your hands on the ball 20-plus times.
“Not just sifting around for eight to 10 (disposals).”
Melbourne great Garry Lyon told SEN Breakfast earlier this week that Rankine’s career is at the “crossroads”.
“Did you see him on the weekend?” Lyon asked.
“His output for the talent is way, way, way down.”
Rankine, 22, has kicked 34 goals in 35 games for the Suns while Lukosius, 21, has made 65 senior appearances.
Gold Coast will look to snap a three-game losing streak against the Swans at the SCG on Saturday.
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