The Gold Coast SUNS acquired four mature-aged recruits in the recent exchange period in the form of Pearce Hanley, Jarrod Witts, Jarryd Lyons and Michael Barlow.
All aged between 24 and 28, the quartet fits the SUNS list profile as the club looks to skyrocket back up the premiership ladder in 2017.
Lyons, who arrived at Metricon Stadium after six seasons with the Adelaide Crows, has found settling in to life on the Gold Coast a simple process and has already established a strong bond with his fellow newcomers.
“It’s been really easy to settle in. The group’s really welcoming I guess over the first month, real easy to get along with and all the coaches have been terrific in terms of bringing in the new guys,” Lyons told SUNS TV.
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“There’s a fair few of us so it hasn’t been too bad but I’m really enjoying my time so far.
“I know myself, Micky Barlow, Pearce and Wittsy get along really well. In terms of the group they’re all pretty good actually.
“All willing to learn. I guess they’re all coming off a tough couple of years so they’re all wanting to get better which is really good.”
Lyons is appreciative of the fresh start given to him by Rodney Eade and is flourishing in his new environment, soaking up as much information as he can.
“I’ve been around for six years now and took a lot out of Adelaide but it’s nice to come in and get a fresh look at a few new things, new coaches, new ideas, new players as well,” Lyons said.
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“So always learning every day. You can never stop learning in this industry.”
The Sandringham junior isn’t looking too far ahead in 2017, keen to tick off all the necessary boxes along the pre-season path to ensure his name can’t be left off the team sheet come round one next year.
“I look to round one and probably not look too far ahead from there,” Lyons said.
“I just want to put a good pre-season together which I did last year and it worked well for me so probably the key is just staying on the park and getting through this period and the month and a bit after Christmas and just attacking the NAB Cup and go from there.”
