Prized recruit Pearce Hanley is enthusiastic about a future at Metricon Stadium after joining the Gold Coast on Tuesday following a three-way trade between the SUNS, Brisbane and Port Adelaide.
The 27-year-old was officially unveiled in SUNS colours at Burleigh Hill on Wednesday morning and believes his new club has ‘endless’ potential.
The former Lion is expected to play a pivotal part in Gold Coast’s engine room in 2017 and still sees his best football ahead of him.
“I see the Gold Coast, they’re going to have a very bright future. Their list, their age demographic is very good,” Hanley told reporters.
READ: Five things you didn't know about Pearce Hanley
“We’re not going to put a ceiling on it but we’ll see what happens next year. I think if we earn the respect on and off the field we can be a very good team.
“The Gold Coast see my best football in front of me and I definitely see my best football in front of me as well. They just believe in me a lot so I’m excited.”
The SUNS’ spine is the envy of many other clubs across the competition with bookends Steven May and 2016 All Australian Tom Lynch providing the foundations for a strong future.
READ: SUNS secure pick 6 for Prestia
With dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett leading the club, Hanley believes Gold Coast have three of the best players in the AFL.
“I think they have the best defender, midfielder and forward in the competition. They’ve got a lot of draft picks this year so good kids coming through,” he said.
“They’ve got other quality players around the field and hopefully I can slide in there somewhere and help this club.
“They’ve got superstars in their team and I’m just excited to be playing alongside them.”