There were many pleasing signs for Gold Coast in the opening round of the JLT Community Series and although there was some rust visible in the 24-point win over Brisbane on Sunday, certain passages of play would have left most SUNS fans excited for the season ahead.

In the engine room, David Swallow made a successful return from a lengthy layoff with 15 disposals in just over half a game of footy, while top 10 draftee Will Brodie and mature-aged recruits Pearce Hanley and Michael Barlow added another layer to Gold Coast’s midfield tapestry.

Veteran Matt Rosa said it took the team a little while to find some synergy, but a lot of positives were taken out of the performance.

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“All the boys playing in their first game were great,” Rosa told SUNS TV on Tuesday afternoon.

“It probably took us a little bit to gel early on in the first half but definitely the second half there were some great signs. There’s some experienced guys that have come into the side through the midfield but also there’s some young fellas so there’s a good blend at the moment.

“It was great to see Dave back out on the park again, he’s done a mountain of work, he’s stayed really positive through his rehab. It’s been probably frustrating for him, but frustrating for everyone that he hasn’t been able to get out on the field so it was great to see him out there and he played really well and I think he’s pulled up well so he’ll be good to go again this week.”

Recruiting guru Scott Clayton delivered on his promise in the recent trade and draft periods to bring midfield talent to Southeast Queensland and for the first time in a long time, the SUNS appear to have the midfield depth needed to compete consistently at the top level.

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With the likes of dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett and former Crow Jarryd Lyons still to come into the side and the continued development of exciting youngsters including Touk Miller and Jesse Lonergan, coach Rodney Eade appears to have a lot more to work with in season 2017.

“That’s been a big plan to get some midfield depth, make sure that we’ve got a lot of guys that can rotate through different positions as well,” Rosa said.

“So I think it’s good that we’ve got so many guys lining up to play in the midfield because then you probably get a few playing through half forward and half back as well.

“The team becomes a bit more flexible so there’s some good signs at the moment and it’s probably testament to Justin Cordy [Elite Performance Manager] that he’s got so many guys fit and able to play through the middle of the ground.”