Andrew Raines’ first step into life after football will see him coach the Gold Coast SUNS’ academy in 2016, with the experienced midfielder setting his sights on making a seamless transition from life on-field to off-field.
 
During 12 years at the highest level with Richmond, Brisbane and Gold Coast, in a career that registered 129 senior games, Raines built a reputation as one of the most professional players in the game.
 
As a player, Raines was revered for his elite standards inside every club he entered. And it is those traits that should pave the way for a successful transition into the next stage of his life, in an area Raines describes as a ‘behind-the-scenes’ style role that will help mould the next generation on the glitter strip.
 
“I’m really looking forward to the role and making it a smooth transition out of football playing, into obviously an off-field role in coaching so yeah, really rapt and it’s great to stick around the club,” Raines told SUNS TV following the announcement of his appointment.
 
“(The role is) head academy coach so they’ll be looking after the under 18 program coming through there and obviously having a fair influence on the (under) 16s and (under) 14s program.
 
“Working closely alongside Jason Torney, who’s the manager, and I’m pretty much implementing all the drills and running a smooth program for the boys at training and then developing their skills and other aspects of welfare, strength/conditioning, and overseeing areas of the game that you probably don’t see.
 
“It’s probably more behind the scenes behind closed doors. So I’m looking forward to doing that and just building some camaraderie amongst some young boys and hopefully build them into young men.”
 
Raines’ strong ties to football in Queensland make him the perfect role model for young, aspiring footballers to try and emulate. His non-conventional journey, that encountered adversity, will also provide a handful of lessons and invaluable pearls of advice for those under his tutelage.
 
Football has come a long way on the Gold Coast since Raines was recruited by Richmond in the 2003 National Draft. Obviously, the city has acquired its own team, making the connection to the highest level far more accessible.
 
“Obviously it’s changed over the years but I suppose to grow up in Queensland, on the Gold Coast, and then to go on and play football at the highest level hopefully it’s something for the young kids here to aspire to and building those relationships with them,” Raines said.