Despite losing some of its marquee names in the past two years, Gold Coast's midfield is still a force to be reckoned with, says young leader Touk Miller.
Miller will likely spend plenty of time on the ball in 2018 and says Gold Coast still has plenty of firepower in the engine room.
"We've got players that are completely capable," Miller said on Wednesday morning.
"We've brought in players that are filling the void. As a team, we're growing in the midfield.
"A lot of people talk about big names and when they leave what it's going to do to a group.
"Our midfield is going to be strong this season."
Miller will be joined by Jarryd Lyons, who blossomed late in his first season at Metricon Stadium after being traded from Adelaide, and David Swallow as some of the primary ball extractors.
Swallow has put in an uninterrupted pre-season after making a successful comeback last year from long-term knee problems.
Michael Barlow and second-year bull Will Brodie should also add some inside grunt, while the Suns have pace on the outside in Aaron Hall, Fremantle recruit Lachie Weller and Pearce Hanley.
Before taking a four-day break starting from Thursday, Gold Coast completed a lengthy session focused around the upcoming AFLX competition.
Miller said he could see the game being exciting, and a perfect hit-out during pre-season.
"The ball moves really quickly, it's a bit like basketball," he said.
"It's the first time we've practiced it properly so we were still getting used to the rules.
"The football is still oval shaped and there's four posts at either end.
"Everyone plays footy so they'll be able to adjust on the fly."
