Gold Coast recruit Anthony Miles is prepared to "crash and bash" and take the heat off the SUNS' young midfielders to allow them to develop gradually.
The 26-year-old – along with Richmond teammate Corey Ellis – joined the SUNS on the opening day of the NAB AFL Trade Period on Monday, in exchange for a swap of future third-round selections.
READ: Corbett and Burgess join Gold Coast
After being delisted by Greater Western Sydney after 10 games in two seasons, Miles played 61 games in his five seasons at the Tigers, but only six in the past two years.
He is coming off an outstanding season in the VFL where he averaged 30 disposals and 14 contested possessions per game, and tied for the League best and fairest.
Miles told NAB AFL Trade Radio he was really impressed with SUNS coach Stuart Dew and the role he would play for the side.
"I'm really excited by the direction and the vision he's got for the club," Miles said.
"He said, 'We've got guys playing inside mid at the moment who at another club would be playing half-forward, but they're being thrown into the deep end'.
"Basically, his vision for me is to play that inside role, crash and bash a bit, then to use my hands and get it to the outside.
"To help those guys develop and to play other positions and not be forced to play inside mid so early in their careers.
"I think at 26, I've still got a lot to offer at an AFL club and playing a couple of finals and going up there and hopefully playing some regular senior footy, hopefully I can add to the group.
"The fire for me to be playing AFL footy is as bright as it's ever been, missing out in the last couple of years, playing a lot of VFL footy, I'm super excited."
Miles was a key contributor for the Tigers during 2014-16, but only played five games during their premiership season in 2017 and didn't play in the Grand Final win against Adelaide.
"I suppose there were a lot of mixed emotions," he said.
"A lot of my best mates were playing and experienced success, so you're really stoked for them, but you'd be lying if you said you weren't a little bit jealous not being a part of that success.
"It does take a whole list to win flags, but you don't receive a medal around your neck.
"It's a little bit disappointing, but I'm super happy for those guys that did play."
Ellis also gets his chance for more regular senior football.
WATCH: Corey Ellis Highlights
The No. 12 overall pick in 2014, the 21-year-old played 27 games in four seasons with the Tigers.
"It's a great result and I'm pretty good mates with Corey," Miles said.
"We played a lot of footy together this year in the midfield and have got a good relationship.
"He's an interesting one, an early pick and in a pretty similar boat, didn't get the opportunities at Richmond.
"He'll thrive up there, for sure."
