Senior Coach Rodney Eade took to the AFL Facebook page on Wednesday to answer fan questions about the season ahead. With Gary Ablett, Jack Martin, Pearce Hanley and Sam Day all spoken of, goldcoastfc.com.au brings you up to speed below. 

Have your own question for Rocket? Jump on our Facebook page to sumbit your question and Rocket will answer a selection on Thursday. 

 

Q: Will Ablett be spending more time up forwards with Barlow , Lyons and Hanley just a few to name coming into the team - Nathan Taylor
A: We think Ablett will be spending a fair bit more time in the forward line.

Q: Hi Rodney, what will Pearce Hanley bring to the team? He was outstanding for Brisbane in recent seasons but struggled last year. What role do you see him playing? - Ahmer Khokhar
A: We see Pearce as a genuine A-grader. His ability to run and carry and decision-making are elite. He'll play midfield predominantly but also spend some time in the back half.

Q: What we all want to know is who do you see having a breakout season and getting more game time or spending more time in the middle?? - Robert Dehne
A: Fantasy question? Youngsters Bowes and Ainsworth and we see development in Jack Martin plus a return to form of KK.

Q: I would like to know if you see the new recruits having an impact in 2017. Specifically Ainsworth, Bowes, Brodie, Scheer. I see Scrimshaw as more long term - Deb Vincec
A: Ainsworth and Bowes will push for round one selection. Brodie has had an interrupted pre-season so far. Maybe selection by mid-season. Scheer and Scrimshaw maybe towards the back end of the year.

Q: Can there finally be some light at the end of the tunnel at Gold Coast this year Rocket? - Jake Giddings
A: Yes, Jake. There's big light. Really positive signs and we're confident we can have a good season.

Q: Will Jack Martin be playing forward or back this year? Based on the needs of the list where is he most required? - Simon Lucas
A: Would love to have two Jack Martins. We think he'll spend time in all three areas on the ground depending on what's best for the team and what's best for Jack.

Q: Michael Barlow being elected to the leadership group in his short time at the club speaks volumes for his character, what role do you see him playing in 2017? - Damien Paull
A: Michael's been a positive addition to the squad. We think he can play as a tagger but also play as a high forward due to his great aerobic capacity.

Q: Well rocket, getting David swallow back from long term injury this year is like getting and brand new player in to the club. How is he travelling and we're are you hoping to play him this year - Valentine Ward
A: David will be like a new recruit. He's training exceptionally well and we see him playing mainly in the midfield.

Q: With more forward options this year do you see Day being used exclusively forward or could he be thrown back at times depending on match ups (ala Adam Hunter) and then be able to use Steve May's versatility in a Josh Gibson like role from time to time? - Simon Lucas
A: Great question. Agree with you totally - we see Sam as a good swingman who can play both ends and would love to use May in a more attacking role.

Q: Touk had a great end to the year running through the middle. Do you see his role changing with Hanley, Barlow and Lyons coming in? - Rob Rainbird
A: No, we believe he'll spend a good chunk of time in the midfield. We know he can play forward and give us good pressure as well.