SUNS recruit Michael Barlow admits he was ‘surprised’ when a photo was snapped of him meeting new teammates David Swallow and Matt Rosa at a Gold Coast café on Monday.

The former Docker had been strongly linked to the Adelaide Crows before signing with the SUNS on Tuesday and was told by the two SUNS leaders AFL players weren’t recognised in southeast Queensland, a myth obviously since disproven.

“They were actually saying that nobody recognises any AFL players on the Gold Coast, not even Gary Ablett so when we got snapped in the coffee shop it was a bit of a surprise,” Barlow told SUNS TV on Tuesday.

Picture: Barlow said he was suprised to be snapped talking with his future teammates on Monday. 

Rosa made the switch from Western Australia to the Sunshine State in the 2015 off-season as a 28-year-old, the same age as Barlow, with the pair sharing many similarities.

The newest addition to Metricon Stadium is excited with the direction the SUNS are headed and can’t wait to get started.

“They were just really complimentary of the environment here and where the club’s going,” Barlow said.

READ: Barlow officially becomes a SUN

“Matt Rosa’s probably someone I can compare a lot of our situations together, coming from Western Australian clubs and coming to Queensland to play football and extend our careers.

“The light that they spoke of the club and where it’s going and the exciting area it’s in right now. (There’s) a lot of work to be done but I’m motivated by success and making a legacy and having an impact, not only myself and my own improvement but the young demographic of this group as well.”