It's a rule that keeps youngsters in their own backyard, and Gold Coast SUNS draftee Alex Sexton believes the priority zone selection is helping develop Queensland's pool of talent.

Sexton, a highly-rated midfielder, signed a three-year deal with the GC SUNS in August that was made official when selected at No.88 in last week's NAB AFL Draft.

He played for Springwood in Brisbane before joining Redland in last season's NEAFL competition and was also used as a top-up player for the GC SUNS reserves.

Rebounding defender Jackson Allen joined Sexton as priority zone picks pounced on by Gold Coast SUNS as it topped up its talented list with locals.

Both went to Arizona with the rest of their GC SUNS teammates for a two-week altitude training camp, and on their first day training back in the Gold Coast sunshine, Sexton was all praise for the zone selection rule.

"The zone pick the GC SUNS have gives a second chance to some of the boys that didn't get a taste of the draft," Sexton said.

"I think it's helping Queensland develop into a better place for football."

The GC SUNS used zone picks previously to land the likes of ruck sensation Zac Smith as they built their inaugural list.

Coach Guy McKenna said it helped fast-track the Queensland talent.

"Us having an academy up here and having a door open for this Queensland talent only helps us," McKenna said.

"Brisbane and Gold Coast have a massive advantage over Collingwood and Essendon who have a lot of resources and funding to throw at recruiting, but, if you're here, you get to see them.

"Us being here is an advantage and an advantage for those boys wanting to play AFL footy."

It is the second pre-season for both Sexton and Allen, and McKenna said they had earned their spot on the senior list with a combination of skill and tenacity.

He described Sexton as a fearless competitor who could play anyway from half-back to midfield to half-forward, while he said Allen was an "aerobic animal" with an elite kick.

"Most of the game is still won in the midfield. [You get] As much talent as you possibly can there," he said.

"You look at Geelong, and Corey Enright would play midfield in most other sides but he just can't crack it at Geelong.

"He did start as a midfielder and ended up on a half-back flank and has been All Australian two or three (four) times. I think that's the beauty about us, if you have quality midfielders playing half-back and half-forward it just goes well for us."

McKenna said the early signs after the trip to Arizona were encouraging, with 13 of the club’s 15 most elite runners recording personal bests in a two km time trial on Monday morning.